The Fate of Almajiri Schools Established During Goodluck Jonathan’s Administration
The Almajiri schools, a significant initiative launched during the administration of former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, were designed to address the growing issue of out-of-school children in the northern states. These institutions aimed to provide both Islamic and formal education, blending traditional religious learning with Western curricula. However, recent investigations have revealed that many of these schools are no longer functioning as intended, either having been abandoned or repurposed for other uses.
According to data from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria has the largest number of out-of-school children globally, with an estimated 18.3 million children not attending school as of May 2024. This alarming figure underscores the urgent need for functional educational infrastructure, especially in regions where access to schooling remains limited.
Almajiri Schools: A Vision That Has Faded
During his tenure, President Jonathan sought to modernize the Almajiri system, which traditionally involved children learning the Quran under the guidance of a teacher, often without formal schooling. The goal was to integrate Western education into this model, thereby reducing social issues linked to lack of education, such as crime and instability. However, many of these schools have since fallen into disrepair or have been converted for alternative purposes.
One such example is the Katsina Almajiri School, which has now been transformed into a Hisbah Board office. Part of the premises is used to store livestock recovered from bandits. Originally built to serve as an educational center for underprivileged children, the school was shut down due to shifting government priorities and now operates as a hub for enforcing Islamic morals and supporting security initiatives in the state.
Mixed Outcomes in Gombe State
In Gombe State, the fate of Almajiri schools varies. Some have been repurposed, while others continue to operate albeit with significant challenges. For instance, the Kwami Local Government area saw its Almajiri School converted into a Teachers’ Institute, shifting the focus from basic education to training educators. Similarly, the Bajoga Almajiri School in Funakaye Local Government has become part of Bajoga Polytechnic, offering tertiary education rather than the integrated Qur'anic and Western learning it was originally designed for.
Despite these changes, some schools still function. At the Malam Mohammadu Basakkwace Almajiri School in Gombe, lessons continue, though the institution faces a severe shortage of teachers. According to Idris Mohammad, a senior teacher at the school, there are only 12 teachers for the formal section and 40 for the informal Qur'anic section, with just two being government-employed. Despite these constraints, the school has made progress by introducing a junior secondary section and graduating several students.
Repurposing in Zamfara and Niger States
In Zamfara State, two Almajiri schools were constructed during Jonathan’s administration—one in Gusau and another in Kaura-Namoda. However, the one in Gusau was converted into Command Girls Secondary School, while the Kaura-Namoda school remains functional, managed by the state Zakat and Endowment Board.
In Niger State, seven Almajiri schools were built, but none appear to be operating according to their original purpose. They were placed under the supervision of Universal Basic Education, yet they remain non-functional, highlighting the challenges in maintaining such initiatives over time.
Decline of the Tsangaya Model in Bauchi
Bauchi State once celebrated the Tsangaya Model Schools project, which aimed to modernize the Almajiri education system. However, investigations have shown that these schools have fallen into ruin and have failed to meet their objectives.
Nasarawa and Sokoto: A Tale of Two States
In Nasarawa State, seven Almajiri schools were built during Jonathan’s administration. Only two remain functional, while the rest have been repurposed. One school in Lafia was initially converted into an Internally Displaced Persons' camp before being donated to the Correctional Service. Another in Akwanga is now a Command Secondary School, and the one in Awe is being transformed into a Girl Child Education program.
In contrast, the Almajiri Elementary School in Sokoto State continues to operate, despite facing challenges such as a lack of manpower, ongoing renovations, and insufficient classroom furniture. Students benefit from free tuition, and the school maintains a consistent enrollment each year.
Ongoing Challenges and the Need for Renewed Efforts
While some Almajiri schools continue to function, the overall trend shows a decline in their effectiveness. Many have been repurposed, and those that remain face significant operational challenges. This highlights the need for renewed investment and policy support to ensure that these institutions can fulfill their original mission of providing quality education to underprivileged children.