Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has expressed concern over the alarming rise in malnutrition among Almajiri students in northern Nigeria, condemning the system and stressing that it should not justify street begging. The Sultan made this statement on December 19, 2024, during the graduation ceremony of nearly 2,000 Almajiri students and out-of-school girls at the Sultan Maccido Institute in Sokoto. The event was organized by the Sokoto State Arabic and Islamic Education Board with support from UNICEF and the Eleva Foundation.
The Sultan criticized the practice of sending children from remote villages to seek Arabic education in distant towns without proper care or food, highlighting the devastating impact of malnutrition. He also emphasized the responsibility of traditional rulers to help eliminate street begging linked to the Almajiri system.
During the ceremony, the Sultan’s representative, the Ciroma of Sokoto, Alhaji Aliyu Abubakar, reaffirmed the commitment of traditional leaders to collaborate with UNICEF and other stakeholders to address the issues faced by Almajiri children. The Sultan’s remarks were echoed by the District Head of Gagi community, who condemned the misinterpretation of the Almajiri system as a form of street begging, clarifying that Islam does not support such practices.
The state government, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Tukur Alkali, outlined plans to provide vocational and entrepreneurial training for Almajiri students and out-of-school girls, in an effort to reduce their vulnerability.
The event concluded with the presentation of certificates to the graduates, marking a step toward empowering vulnerable children and ensuring they receive the proper care and education they deserve.
