Commission Urged to Enact Law Granting Certificates to Almajiri Students

By Ali Rabi'u Ali

The National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education has been urged to enact a law that would grant certificates to Almajiri students who memorize the Holy Quran, enabling them to further their education up to university level and access government opportunities.

This call was made by Alhaji (Dr.) Bashir Albishir Bukar Machinama, Chairman Board of Trustees of the Darul Naharatul Ahbabul Qur'an Organisation of Nigeria, during a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Alhaji Dr. Sani Muhammad Idris, at his office in Abuja.

According to Ismail Salisu Bature, Director of Information at Darul Naharatul Ahbabul Qur'an Organisation of Nigeria, the Chairman expressed his disappointment over the lack of provision for Almajiri education in the country's National Policy on Education and called for recognition of the Almajiri system of education as another form of literacy.

"The Commission should develop new strategies that would recognize the Almajiri system of education as another form of literacy, allowing students to access further education and government opportunities," Alhaji (Dr.) Bashir said.

The Darul Naharatul Ahbabul Qur'an Organisation of Nigeria has been working to improve the lives of Almajiri students and teachers nationwide. The organization's focus areas include visiting Almajiri schools to assess the conditions of students, sensitizing Almajiri teachers on modernizing their teaching methods, educating Almajiri students on personal hygiene and environmental sanitation, teaching Almajiri students vocational skills for self-reliance, and developing strategies to reduce street begging.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Alhaji Dr. Sani Muhammad Idris, expressed satisfaction with the organization's objectives and activities, particularly in Northern Nigeria. He called for a working partnership between the Commission and the organization and assured that the Commission is working on opening schools that offer Quranic education, which would enable students to progress up to university level.

Regarding the call for legislation on Almajiri education, Dr. Sani revealed that the Minister of Education has directed the compilation of data to inform policy decisions on Almajiri education and improve their livelihoods, adding that the process is near completion.

The Executive Secretary also instructed the Head of the Almajiri Education Department to review the organization's proposals and establish a working relationship. He assured the organization of the Commission's support to continue their activities and pledged to work with them to address street begging.

"We are making some proposals to start feeding Almajiris as in the conventional school system," Dr. Sani said.

The Commission's efforts to recognize and support Almajiri education could lead to improved opportunities and livelihoods for Almajiri students and teachers. The partnership between the Commission and the Darul Naharatul Ahbabul Qur'an Organisation of Nigeria could also lead to more effective support for Almajiri students and teachers.

"The Commission should enact a law granting certificates to Almajiri students who memorize the Holy Quran, enabling them to further their education up to university level and access government opportunities." - Alhaji (Dr.) Bashir Albishir Bukar Machinama. 

"The Commission is working on opening schools that offer Quranic education, which would enable students to progress up to university level." - Alhaji Dr. Sani Muhammad Idris. 

The Commission's efforts to recognize and support Almajiri education could lead to improved opportunities and livelihoods for Almajiri students and teachers. The partnership between the Commission and the Darul Naharatul Ahbabul Qur'an Organisation of Nigeria could also lead to more effective support for Almajiri students and teachers.