ALMAJIRI INTEGRATED MODEL SCHOOLS IN NIGER STATE AND POLICY IMPLEMENTATION: AN APPRAISAL

Abstract

Almajiri education systems were integrated into the mainstream of the Universal Basic Education to address the inequities in accessing primary education and to eliminate the apparent exclusion being suffered by many children in the Northern part of the country. Despite the establishment of the Almajiri Model Schools initiative in Shiroro Local Government Area, assessing basic education remains a major challenge in the area. This study examinedAlmajiri Integrated Model schools' and policy implementation: An appraisal. The study employed a mixed research design by integrating both qualitative and quantitative data in the evaluation of the Almajiri Integrated Model schools: security challenges and implementation in Niger State in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State. The primary data required for this study was sourced from 240 Almajiris/pupils and 60 mallams/teachers through structured questionnaire.The study discovered several key obstacles in the implementation of Almajiri Integrated model schools in Shiroro Local Government Area. These obstacles include inadequate funding, lack of community engagement, insufficient infrastructure, and the resistance from certain religious and cultural groups. The study recommends that the Niger State government and relevant stakeholders should allocate increased funds to support the infrastructure, training of teachers, and resources for Almajiri Integrated model schools as well as develop a curriculum that respects the cultural diversity of the Almajiri children and incorporates local languages to facilitate learning, which can improve the effectiveness of the schools.