By Nafiu Muhammad Lema
Almajirci System of education has for long been the topic of debate in the country, particularly in Northern Nigeria. Some are of the opinion, that it should be abolished totally while others spiritedly search for an alternative to the system. In fact, some States have already sent the Almajiris back to their respective States of origin. Their roaming streets, and peeps into homes are a menace to public. Coming up with a solution to this lingering problem has been the topic of discussions for several years.
Many public commentators have added their voices to the debate with some supporting the abolishment, while others holding contrary views. But as usual Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has a good initiative divergent from both the views- ‘for and against’ the system (Almajirci). His own way, for dealing with the system was borne out of his desire to cater for all, regardless of status and class. Already Tambuwal has upgraded the two Almajiri Schools within Sokoto from their moribund state, before his administration to modern standard.
Two years ago Governor Tambuwal led a delegation from Sokoto to far away Indonesia, as part of the plans for taking Sokoto State to greater heights through the reform of the Almajirci system of education and on other areas of development. And there he noted a solution to the very debate Sokoto, and other Northern States are entangled in, with regard to the issue. The Indonesian Pondok system of Almajirci education which is operational in some Muslim countries of Asia, is just the panacea. Sokoto State’s pursuit of the system in a remodeled form would make it the brightest star in Northern Nigeria. Pandok system, entails combination of Qur’anic education with western one as well as provision of skill training simultaneously to Almajiri pupils, which will make them self reliant on completion of the search for their education.
This shows how advantageous, is the system, to Quranic pupils. The structures within the Indonesian Pondok system are everlasting, and infinite. If there is any alternative to Almajirci system in Northern Nigeria, it is the Indonesian Pondok system.
As Social Institution too, Indonesian Pondok system has played a major role over the centuries. It emphasises core values of sincerity, simplicity, individual autonomy, solidarity and self-control. Children just like Almajiris are separated from their families, which contributes to a sense of individual commitment to the faith and close bonding to a teacher.
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Let me pay tribute to the leader of new modern Sokoto, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal for becoming the unbreakable shield to these defenseless children roaming the streets of Sokoto. Any sane or kind hearted person will have to feel for them. And Tambuwal, again with no exception, came to their rescue. If implemented, and going by his staunch opposition to immoral conduct, and behaviour, and as he pledged during the Stakeholders meeting held in Sokoto, the ancient city will once again be o
in the limelight.
On many occasions a lot of us in the State misunderstand his ways. Whenever he makes a case for Sokoto, the outcome will naturally unfold as the best decision. He has a way of silently achieving the unachievable in a manner that other actors got swayed to his side . He is exceptionally the best mathematician in the field, and unarguably amongst the best administrators in Nigeria.
Education sector in its entirety has been given much elaborate attention by Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal’s administration. To make the work easier Tambuwal subdivided the sector into Ministries of Higher Education, and that of Basic and Secondary Education assisted by Arabic and Islamic Education Board, and Female Education Board in order to provide affordable Education template that the present, and next generation will be proud of.
As if that is not enough, Tambuwal reinvigorated, and rejuvenated Sokoto State Universal Basic Education to further enhance, and re energise the Education of Sokoto citizens. Tambuwal further accorded high premium to the Ministry of Science and Technical Education by changing it to Ministry of Science and Technology alone, and schools under it receiving the needed care.
The results of this massive outreach to Education Sector in Sokoto State is overwhelming. There is no doubt, Tambuwal has achieved indelible foot marks in the Sector that can stand the test of time. The State Government has also passed the Compulsory Education Bill which stipulates penalty for parents that deny their wards the chance of going to school. The bill, mandates not only the enrolment of students but also the retention in school of every child in the State.
The State Consultative Committee on Education headed by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar
