Poor regulation of almajiri schools worrisome – Don

Poor regulation of almajiri schools worrisome – Don

From Ojo Sola, Kaduna

A don from the Mass Communication Department, Kaduna State University (KASU), Dr. Sani Bello has described as worrisome the poor regulation of almajiri schools by federal government, saying that the lack of reliable data has made effective planning for the estimated 9.5 million almajiris difficult.

He said lack of regulation of the almajiri schools across the country has made it difficult for government and other key stakeholders to have the data required to effective plan for young almajiris, who, he said, are a big and vital part of the Nigerian population and its economy.

Speaking while presenting a paper on ‘Plight of Almajiris in Northern Nigeria’ at a 2-day training workshop organised by Voice of America (VOA) in conjunction with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for education writers in Northern Nigeria, the varsity teacher opined that educational inspectors in each state should be encouraged to go round and ensure that the schools meet all pre-requisite standards to function effectively.

According to Dr. Sani, the non regulation of the almajiri schools has increased the possibility of terrorists recruiting students from such schools into insurgency as seen in the North-east, while suggesting that any intending school that refuse to comply with the lay down requirements needed for its establishment must be closed down immediately.

“Almajiris schools are unregulated and the government has no way of knowing how many they are and who runs these schools.

“Children as young as four or five years old are left without parental care and anything could happen to these children as they have no protection. There is also the fear that they can be used for criminal activities and even recruited into terrorism,” he said.

He further expressed worry over the increasing parents apathy to girl child education in the North, while urging parents to ensure that they educate their daughters, particularly in western education to give them a better future. He also called on philanthropists in the region to come to the aid of the less privilege in the society.

Facilitator for Educational Project in Nigeria for VOA,  Alhaji Sani Malumfashi, in his remarks at the occasion, said the workshop was aimed at training practicing journalists on the need to focus more on reporting challenges facing educational sector in the country to draw attention of key stakeholders in the sector to effect expected changes.