Nigeria's Almajiri System Under Spotlight as Ex-IGP, NIPR President Advocate for Collective Solution

The need for a unified approach to tackle the almajiri system in Nigeria has been emphasized by a former Inspector General of Police, Mohammad Abubakar, and the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr. Ike Neliaku. Both leaders made their remarks at the graduation ceremony of 21 almajiri students who underwent training in technology and digital skills through the Almajiri-to-Tech Foundation, an initiative of the New Horizons in Abuja. Abubakar, who chaired the event, highlighted the severity of the almajiri issue, noting that it has become a national problem that requires immediate attention and action from both state and federal governments, as well as from individuals. He pointed out that the system's breakdown necessitates a constitutional or alternative solution. 'There's a system breakdown. So that system breakdown needs to be mended constitutionally or otherwise. Is there anywhere you don’t have almajiri out-of-school children? So, if you look at these two multiple issues, they are critical issues,' Abubakar stated. Dr. Neliaku, on his part, commended the initiative, stating that the task of addressing out-of-school children and eradicating the almajiri system should not be left to the government alone. He praised the founder of the Almajiri-to-Tech Foundation for taking responsibility and replicating his success in the lives of other people. 'A single individual today has put his resources forward to initiate this. What have you to say about this? I feel it is a challenge to all of us. It’s a case of the power of taking responsibility,' Dr. Neliaku said. The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs, Hon. Khafilat Ogbara, also expressed her delight at the initiative, describing it as timely and transformative. She emphasized that every child deserves an opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to society, regardless of their background or circumstances. 'Talent is universal; opportunity is not. Today, we are helping to bridge that gap,' she added. The founder of the Almajiri-to-Tech Foundation, Mr. Tim Akano, noted that the 21 graduating students had made significant progress, from being unable to write their names in English six months ago to now building computers, robots, and drones with their own hands. He called on the government to launch a 'Vision 2031-No child is left on the street' initiative, criminalize child abandonment and begging, and provide empowerment skills. The event underscored the importance of collective action in addressing the almajiri system and ensuring that no child is left behind in Nigeria's development journey.