Problems and Prospects of Almajiri Integration Programme in North West Geo-Political Zone, Nigeria

Abstract

The term Almajiri in Nigeria is used to describe those children or youths who left their hometowns in search for Islamic education. Unlike pre-colonial Nigeria, the Almajiri system of education flourished and recorded exceptional accomplishment in literacy and social services, but today the system is faced with a myriad of challenges with glaring abnormalities. The aim of this study was, therefore, to conduct an empirical inquiry into the problems and prospects of the integration programme in North West Geo-Political Zone, Nigeria. A total of 240 Almajiris/pupils and 60 mallams/teachers responded to questionnaires designed for the study, while 33 community leaders and school heads were interviewed. The study reveals that authorities are performing below expectations in the area of education, which hinders the achievements of quality education for Nigerian Almajiris. Shortage of qualified teachers in some schools and inadequate numbers of Almajiri integrated schools in North West Nigeria were also recorded. The researchers further discovered that the government is not consistent in its policies and programmes there were a lot of irregularities and corrupt practices in institutionalized education, including the Almajiri Integrated Programme. It is therefore, recommended that the government should be consistent in its policy and programmes for the betterment of its citizens. Authorities’ approach to quality education should be centred on the eradication of corrupt practices. Almajiri Integrated Programme should be handled as introduced by president Goodluck’s Administration.