The ongoing debate surrounding the classification of Almajiri children as out-of-school has taken a fresh turn, with the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Saidu, asserting that the Almajiri system is a traditional Islamic education model and should not be compared to formal education metrics.
“Almajiri children should not be regarded as out-of-school, as they are part of a long-standing Islamic educational tradition,” stated Prof. Saidu in a statement shared on its official X handle on Wednesday.
However, advocates for reform argue that integrating the Almajiri system into Nigeria’s national education framework could address systemic gaps and significantly reduce the number of children officially categorized as out-of-school, particularly in the northern states.
“It’s rare to find a child in the north who isn’t attending either a formal or Islamic school,” said an educator familiar with the system. “The problem is visibility—Almajiri children are seen on the streets because the system currently fails to provide adequately for their needs.”
The Almajiri system involves male children leaving their families to study Islam and the Qur’an at a Tsangaya under the guidance of a Mallam. While the system has faced criticism for allegedly perpetuating poverty and delinquency, supporters argue that it instils moral values in young boys.
“If given the same level of attention as other institutions, Almajiri schools could thrive and transform the narrative entirely,” Saidu added.
