Senate seeks reform of current model of Almajiri education system

The Nigerian Senate is pushing for a reform of the current model of the Almajiri education system in the North which has existed for over a century to create opportunity for the almajiris to acquire formal education.

The motion was moved Tuesday by Senate Leader Ahmad Lawan, representing Yobe North Senatorial district, who said the provisions of the Universal Basic Education Act, 2004, which made formal education compulsory for school age children, should be adhered to.

He said: “The recruits are there. There are 17-year olds who are supposed to be in school but are roaming the streets.

“Even though it is controversial, a time has come in those States where the Almajiri System is established for over 100 years to consider and see how we can work out a model that will ensure that the Almajiri System should not continue in the way and manner it is today.”

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“I believe that this will be a major issue because we have to transform this sector if we want to ensure that these people contribute to national development and reduce the chances and risk of getting them recruited into insurgency and banditry,” he added.

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