NCAOOSE: A New Era of Education for Children in Nigeria

For generations, the Almajiri system has been a source of controversy in Nigeria. It is seen by some as a critical element of Islamic education, while others view it as a source of child labour and exploitation.

The Almajirai system is a group of young boys who leave their families to pursue Islamic education in Qur'anic schools, or Tsangaya. The practice is known as 'Almajirci', and the boys who participate are called 'Almajirai. This system is centuries old, and has been a part of the Islamic culture of Nigeria and in West Africa for generations. However, in recent years, the system has been the subject of controversy and criticism.

Similarly, the Almajiri system has been a source of economic hardship for many families in Nigeria. Many boys who enter the system are sent away from home at a young age and they often do not return for many years. In the meantime, their families must support themselves without the help of their sons. This has put a strain on the family's finances, and has also led to social problems such as child labour and crime.

However, former president, Goodluck Jonathan, in a bid to curb the negative impact of this agelong system, launched the Almajiri Schools Initiative in April 2012, with the opening of the first integrated Almajiri school in Gagi, Sokoto State. The initiative aimed to improve the quality of education and living conditions for Almajiri students across the country. It is an important step towards addressing the challenges facing the Almajiri system. But the initiative failed in parts largely due to lack of proper coordination and lack of understanding of cultural implications of total abolition of the system.

Hence, a new educational initiative is required as the key to transforming the Almajiri system and ensuring a brighter future for Nigeria's children. That is why, in May 2023, the Buhari led administration officially commissioned the National Commission For Almajiri and Out of School Children (NCAOOSCE), with the appointment of Hon Sha'aban Sharada, as the Executive Secretary to better serve the needs of the old system, which many believed needed urgent reforms.

Experts are of the opinion that the only way the Almajiri system will benefit the Nigerian society is through proper education. While the system is intended to provide an Islamic education, many Almajiri schools are not properly accredited or regulated. As a result, the quality of education varies widely, and many Almajiri students do not receive a comprehensive education.

This lack of quality education, combined with the social and economic challenges that many Almajiri students face, has made them vulnerable to radicalisation. This has been a significant problem in Nigeria, where the Boko Haram insurgency has been fueled in part by the radicalisation of kids without proper formal and informal education.

Proper education is therefore the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and radicalisation. Education can give Almajiri students the skills and knowledge they need to find employment and pursue a better life. It can also teach them critical thinking skills, which can help to counter the rhetoric of radical groups.