Almajiranci: A Challenge to Human Security in Northern Nigeria

Abstract

The study is meant to examine Almajiranci and its challenges to human security in Northern Nigeria. Three objectives were set to be achieve through answering of three research questions. The study is purely qualitative using descriptive survey design with a sample size of 44 respondents. The targeted respondents are; parents of Almajirai, Almajirai and their teachers (mallams) as well as members of the public within the study area who have good awareness of Almajiranci. Convenient or purposeful sampling was used. Two local government areas were selected with 24 respondents each. Interview was used as the instrument for data collection and data analysis was done through transcription, coding and the use of themes and sub-themes for detail explanation of each research question. The findings of the study revealed that, there is no extension of Boko Haram in Almajiri Qur’anic Schools in Sokoto state, similarly, the Almajiris have vehemently reject any move for them to join Boko Haram activities but some are involved in area boyism in the state and others are involved in anti-social activities but yet some are exempted. Based on this study the causes of Almajiris involvement in anti-social activities are; Almajiris’ parents, lack of food and medical care provision for the Almajiris, getting contact with bad people, lack of good care and control from the mallam. Government and custodian (mallams) of Almajiri Qur’anic School should be vigilante and extra careful with visiting clerics who deliver lectures on religious ideology. Mallams should be mandated to take good care of all their Almajiris as good guardians of the children. Similarly, mallam should only admit Almajiris that they can take good care of their morality. To enforce these and put control in the system government should establish an agency for Almajiri Education in Sokoto state or a unit or department in Ministry for Arabic and Islamic Education.