Nigeria: Ex-Police Chief, NIPR President Urge Collective Action to End Almajiri System

Calls for concerted efforts to eradicate the almajiri system, a traditional Islamic education practice in northern Nigeria that often leaves children out of formal schooling, have been amplified by prominent figures. Former Inspector General of Police, Mohammad Abubakar (rtd), and the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, stressed the urgency of addressing this issue at a recent graduation ceremony for almajiri students transitioning into technology roles.

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There’s a system breakdown. So that system breakdown needs to be mended constitutionally or otherwise. Is there anywhere you don’t have almajiri out-of-school children? So, if you look at these two multiple issues, they are critical issues.

Abubakar, who chaired the event, described the almajiri situation as a national problem stemming from a systemic breakdown that requires mending. He pointed to the existence of an Almajiri Commission as evidence that the government recognizes the challenge, urging the commission and state governors to fulfill their responsibilities in resolving the issue.

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So, we expect the government to look at what these individuals have done. And we have an Armjiri Commission which has a responsibility. They should take up that responsibility and discharge the responsibility.

Dr. Neliaku echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the eradication of the almajiri system and the support for out-of-school children cannot solely rest on the government's shoulders. He lauded initiatives like the one by Tim Akano and New Horizons, which trains almajiri students in technology, as examples of the power of individual responsibility and a call to action for all of humanity. Neliaku highlighted the frightening statistic of 30 million out-of-school children in Nigeria, underscoring the scale of the problem.

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The task of tackling the problem of out-of-school children and the eradication of the almajiri system should not be left for the government alone.

Hon. Khafilat Ogbara, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs, expressed her delight at the initiative, calling it a timely and transformative program. She affirmed that such training in technology and digital skills for almajiri and out-of-school children represents the true spirit of "Renewed Hope," emphasizing that every child deserves a chance to learn, grow, and contribute, regardless of their background.

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What he is doing is in line with the kind of value that the Institute adds to the society. We are very proud of him.