By Abigail Philip David
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has expressed deep concern over the state of the Almajiri system in Northern Nigeria, describing it as embarrassing and in dire need of reform.
Speaking on Thursday during the graduation ceremony of 1,897 Almajiri and 1,087 out-of-school adolescent girls at the Sultan Maccido Institute of Quranic and General Studies in Sokoto, the Sultan, represented by the Ciroma of Sokoto, Alhaji Aliyu Abubakar, called for collective action to address the associated issue of street begging.
The programme, organised by the Sokoto State Arabic and Islamic Education Board in collaboration with UNICEF and the Eleva Foundation, aims to empower Almajiri children and out-of-school adolescent girls in the state.
The Sultan stated, “We have a significant challenge that requires collective effort. It is perplexing that children are sent to distant places for Arabic education when local schools and teachers are available. This practice must be reconsidered.”
He further lamented the conditions many Almajiri children face, noting malnutrition and neglect. “It is distressing to see children sent to Sokoto from villages without provisions. Parents must prioritize enrolling their children in nearby schools where they can be properly cared for.”
The Sultan urged parents to take responsibility for their children, warning of accountability in the afterlife. He assured that traditional rulers are committed to supporting UNICEF and other partners in tackling the systemic issues.
**Calls to End Street Begging**
The District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Sani Umar Jabi, also condemned the practice of street begging, which he described as un-Islamic and unrelated to the true meaning of Almajiri, which refers to students of Arabic. He called on parents to stop sending children to Islamic teachers with the expectation that they fend for themselves.
“Our religion does not support bringing children into the world without the ability to care for them,” he said. “Street begging has no place in Islam and should be abolished immediately.”
He also advised against marrying multiple wives without the financial capability to provide for them.
**Government Interventions**
The Sokoto State Commissioner for Education, Tukur Alkali, revealed ongoing efforts by the government to introduce vocational and entrepreneurship training for more Almajiri children and out-of-school adolescent girls. Represented by Alhaji Ahmad Baba Altini, Executive Secretary of the Sokoto State Arabic and Islamic Education Board, Alkali said a team has been set up to monitor the implementation of these initiatives.
**Programme Highlights**
The event featured the presentation of certificates to the graduating students and an exhibition of their skills and crafts, showcasing the impact of the empowerment programme.
