Almajiri Model School System and the Problematic of Implementation

Abstract

The new “Almajiri” model school system is a step forward in the Nigerian quest to solve the abuse of the traditional 'Almajiri' system wherethere are no checks and balances. But it should be understood that the traditional “Almajiri” system has come a long way. A millennia-old tradition cannot be transformed with the wave of hand or a passionateupsurge akin to the ones Nigerian government established. All the stake holders have to be more pragmatic and realistic. Doing so entails understanding the psychology and motivations of the parties involved, the parents, the mallams and the students (the almajirai). The programme must appeal to their level and relate with their world view and perception.There are different lenses through which people perceive the world. To an average father that sends his child to 'Almajiranci' he is of thespiritual belief that he is observing a religious obligatory duty (whatever that means). The task then is to convince him that observing a religious obligatory duty is not mutually exclusive from a temporal quest. Unfortunately, most of the people involved in addressing the 'Almajiri' system (the government and private individual, analyst) come with a mind-set that dealt only into the material benefit of abolishing the system, at the expense of the spiritual and psychological means. Unless and until the campaign hinge on the spiritual and religious belief, this useful though will move to Bermuda triangle like other laudable policies. We must exercise reasonable care, patience and perseverance for the programme to succeed. By exercising reasonable care we can prevent this useful children from becoming destructive giants.