In a determined effort to curb the alarming rise in out-of-school children and rejuvenate the Almajirai education system, the government of Niger State has established a special committee dedicated to tackling this pressing issue. The committee, which aims to bring significant reform to the Almajirai system, is part of the state’s broader strategy to enhance educational opportunities for vulnerable children.
The Chairman of the committee, Shuaibu Gwada, revealed this initiative during a visit to Alhaji Abubakar Yahaya, the Estu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Traditional Council of Rulers, in Bida. Gwada highlighted that the formation of the committee aligns with the governor’s commitment to addressing the long-standing challenges associated with the Almajirai system and the growing number of out-of-school children.
“The Almajirai system, originally intended for the pursuit of Islamic knowledge, has unfortunately devolved into a significant social issue due to years of neglect and inadequate care for the children involved,” Gwada explained. “It is distressing to witness the increasing number of children who, instead of seeking education, are left to wander the streets. This situation poses a severe security threat to our society, as these children are vulnerable to exploitation by criminals and insurgents if no decisive action is taken.”
Gwada also expressed the state government’s concern that without immediate intervention, these children could easily be recruited by hoodlums and bandits, further exacerbating the region’s security challenges. He called on traditional leaders to lend their wisdom and support in crafting effective strategies to resolve this critical issue.
Supporting the Chairman’s remarks, the Secretary of the committee, Muhammed Usman, emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to reviving the Almajirai system. He noted that the committee has already engaged with the Ulama—the educated class of religious scholars—who play a crucial role in grassroots mobilization. Their involvement is expected to facilitate the spread of the committee’s message and ensure that the Almajirai issue is addressed comprehensively, benefiting the entire society.
In response, Alhaji Abubakar Yahaya commended the governor for his proactive stance in setting up the committee and congratulated its members on their appointment. He acknowledged the enormity of the task ahead, stressing that it would require unwavering commitment and dedication to achieve meaningful results.
The Estu Nupe further remarked that while it is essential for children to seek Islamic knowledge, the current practice must be regulated to prevent the detrimental effects of spending excessive time begging instead of learning. He reflected on similar efforts by past administrations, which, despite good intentions, failed due to inadequate mechanisms and insufficient funding.
To avoid repeating past mistakes, the Estu Nupe advised that any government initiatives aimed at resolving the Almajirai issue should be directly supervised under the governor’s office. This, he argued, would ensure closer monitoring and more effective implementation.
The committee, which includes distinguished members such as Dr. Hadiza Mohammed, Ndagi Wali, Alhaji Adamu Salihu, and Prof. Yahaya Kuta, among others, has been tasked with not only resuscitating the Almajirai system but also ensuring that the state’s broader educational goals are met. This includes integrating these children into formal educational structures where they can receive both religious and secular education.
Other notable members of the committee include Liman Ibrahim, former Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service; Muhammed Tafyan; Amina Gu’ar; Muhammed Ibrahim; Umar Farooq; Hajiya Binta Mamman, the Commissioner for Information; and Abdullahi Ketso. Together, they bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, enhancing the committee’s capacity to deliver on its mandate.
