The National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education has been urged to introduce legislation that would grant formal certificates to Almajiri pupils who have memorised the Holy Quran, in a move seen as pivotal to improving their educational prospects and socio-economic status.
The call was made by Alhaji (Dr) Bashir Albishir Bukar Machinama, Chairman of the 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, in Abuja.
Dr Bashir, who is also the Emir of Machina, expressed disappointment at the exclusion of Almajiri education from Nigeria’s National Policy on Education, stressing that the absence of certification denies Almajiri children the opportunity to pursue higher education or contest for elective positions.
“The Nigerian Constitution only recognises secondary school certificates as minimum qualifications for public office, thereby marginalising those with Quranic literacy,” he lamented.
He urged the Commission to develop strategies that formally recognise Almajiri education as an alternative form of literacy that deserves government recognition and support.
The Emir highlighted the key areas of his organisation’s work, which include assessing conditions in Almajiri schools, promoting hygiene and sanitation, modernising teaching methods, teaching vocational skills, and addressing the menace of street begging.
Dr Sani Muhammad Idris welcomed the Emir’s proposals and expressed appreciation for the work being carried out by the organisation, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
He called for a strategic partnership between the Commission and Darul Naharatul Ahbabul Qur’an, affirming the Commission’s readiness to support and collaborate on initiatives that improve the quality of life for Almajiri pupils.
“We are working to establish Quranic schools that will enable Almajiri students to progress through formal education up to university level,” Dr Sani said.
He also disclosed that the Minister of Education has directed the compilation of data to inform new policies on Almajiri education, and that this data-gathering exercise is nearing completion.
Furthermore, he instructed the Head of the Almajiri Education Department to review the organisation’s proposals and formalise a working relationship.
He pledged that the Commission would support the organisation’s goals, especially in efforts to modernise the Almajiri system and eradicate street begging.
Dr Sani noted that the Commission is also developing proposals to introduce a feeding programme for Almajiris, akin to existing schemes in conventional schools.
“Such an initiative is crucial if we are to align Almajiri education with the national educational framework and ensure that these children are not left behind,” he added.
Dr Bashir also reiterated the need for reforms that would integrate Almajiri students into the broader Nigerian educational and civic structure.
The Emir concluded by calling on policymakers to act decisively to ensure that Quranic literacy is given equal status with conventional academic achievements.
