Almajiri out of school children a big problem in nigeria says lawan

A timely and important issue!

According to a recent report, the President of the Nigerian Senate, Ahmed Lawan, has described the phenomenon of almajiri out-of-school children as a "big problem" in Nigeria. Almajiri is a term used to describe children who are sent to Islamic schools or madrasas in northern Nigeria, often without the consent of their parents, and are forced to beg for food and other necessities.

Lawan made this statement during a visit to the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC) in Abuja, where he emphasized the need to address the issue of out-of-school children in the country. He noted that the problem of almajiri children is not only a social issue but also a security concern, as these children are often vulnerable to exploitation and radicalization.

The Senator also highlighted the need for a multi-stakeholder approach to address the issue, involving government agencies, civil society organizations, and traditional leaders. He emphasized the importance of providing alternative education options for these children, including vocational training and skills acquisition programs.

The issue of almajiri out-of-school children is a significant problem in Nigeria, with estimates suggesting that over 13 million children are out of school in the country. The phenomenon is particularly prevalent in northern Nigeria, where poverty, lack of access to education, and cultural practices have contributed to the widespread existence of almajiri children.

It is heartening to see that the Nigerian government is taking steps to address this issue, and it is hoped that the efforts of Senator Lawan and other stakeholders will lead to a reduction in the number of out-of-school children in the country.