Middle belt leader advocates jail term for parents of almajiri children

December 22, 2024

By Ayinde Adeleke

Dr. Bitrus Pogu, National President of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), has called for parents of Almajiri children to face jail terms if they deny their children access to education.

Pogu emphasized the need for a strong legislative framework to eradicate the Almajiri system, where children beg under the guise of religious instruction.

According to Pogu, every child must attend school, and parents who refuse to comply should be punished.

He suggested that children can learn Arabic and Islamic doctrine in primary school, but education must be mandatory.

This, he believes, will help prevent the recruitment of out-of-school children by insurgents.

Pogu also highlighted the need for legislation that mandates education up to the secondary level, with sanctions or jail terms for parents who deny their children this right.

He emphasized that such a measure would address many issues, including the recruitment of out-of-school children by insurgents.

The Middle Belt leader expressed concern about the growing population of Almajiri children in northern Nigeria, citing statistics from the National Commission on Al-Majiri and Out-of-School Children, which puts the number of such children in the North at 30 million.

He described this as “scary” and “frightening,” emphasizing the need for immediate action to address the situation.

Pogu also discussed the emergence of groups like Lukawara, which mirrors Boko Haram, and the need for the Nigerian Government to take responsibility for addressing the crisis.

He emphasized the importance of cooperation with neighboring countries and the need for strong political will to address the challenges facing the North.

Pogu criticized the lack of accountability in Nigeria, where individuals appear to be above the law. He emphasized the need for leaders with courage, willing to confront opposition for the sake of national progress.