The National President of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Dr. Bitrus Pogu, has called for the scrapping of Almajiri system of education.
Bitrus Pogu said the country needs a president who would be bold enough to take the step. He noted that every child should be in school.
Speaking in an interview with Nigerian Tribune, he decried that leaders who promoted the Almajiri system passed through Western and Islamic education.
“We need a president bold enough to enact a law mandating that every child must go to school. Any parent who denies their ward access to education should face punishment.
“In primary school, children can learn Arabic and Islamic doctrine, but it must be mandatory for every child to attend school. This will help eradicate the Almajiri system, where one Mallam gathers children and has them begging for alms in the name of Islamic training.
“Ironically, the leaders who promote this system are themselves beneficiaries of both Western and Islamic education,” he said.
The National President of Middle Belt Forum called on the National Assembly to make laws that would mandate compulsory education to secondary school level.
Pogu emphasized that making education compulsory would address the recruitment of out-of-school children by insurgents.
“We need legislation that mandates education up to the secondary level, with sanctions or jail terms for parents who deny their children this right. Such a measure would address many issues, especially the recruitment of out-of-school children by insurgents who use them as cannon fodder in the chaos we face today.
“For instance, during the protests against governance processes, many arrested youths were used as tools of terror. They were given weapons and ordered to burn shops, attack properties, and create havoc. Legislation enforcing mandatory schooling, backed by strict sanctions, can help curb this menace.
“We need a National Assembly strong enough to pass such a law and a president courageous enough to declare it as the future of Nigeria. Instead of wasting young lives, they can receive Islamic education as part of a standard school curriculum rather than roaming as Almajiri beggars destined to fall into criminality,” he stated.
Pogu further explained that the issue of Almajiri system in the North remained as a result of political interests.
He stressed that only bold leaders at the executive and national assembly would address the situation.
“It all comes down to good legislation. If the National Assembly supports it, any governor who disobeys can be held accountable. The problem is unnecessary fear—fear of potential backlash or unrest. This fear has crippled our nation.
“We must take inspiration from countries like China, which advanced because their leaders were fearless in making tough decisions. India did something similar with medicines; they prioritised local production and development, even at great cost.
“We need leaders with courage, willing to confront opposition for the sake of national progress. Governors who disobey laws passed in national interest should face sanctions, with immunity removed if necessary. It’s possible to achieve this, but it requires a bold president and a determined legislature,” Pogu added.