REINVENTING THE ALMAJIRI EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM TOWARDS THE REALISATION OF CHILD’S RIGHTS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This work examines the Almajiri System of education as presently practiced placing same against child rights in Nigeria. It is discovered that the Nigerian Policy on Education, the Child Rights Act and the Africa Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights have ample provisions for the educational needs of the child who is aimed at being a worthy competitor at the global stage. However, Almajiri system has totally deviated from the objectives of the system. This has been blamed on the activities of the colonial masters who disregarded the system and its products. Arising therefrom, the then colonial government withdrew public sponsorship of the system. Begging for alms was institutionalized as a source of funding; several other vices crept in to take over the system. Successive governments over years have made several attempts at Reinventing the System. It is said that these attempts have failed due to some reasons; chief amongst them is the opposition from the operators of the system and the lack of will on the side of government various reforms in the system. This researcher is of the view that it is only when the educational system is reinvented to align with the Nigerian policy on education which has human rights of the child at the centre, the rights of the Almajiri will continue to elude them.