This Keep Nigerians Toking As Pogu Urges Ban On Almajiri System Reason Behind It

Dr. Bitrus Pogu, the National President of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), has called for the abolition of the Almajiri system of education in Nigeria.

Pogu emphasized the need for a president with the courage to enforce policies ensuring every child has access to education. He stressed that no child should be left out of school.

In an interview with the Nigerian Tribune, Pogu criticized the hypocrisy of leaders who support the Almajiri system, noting that many of them benefited from both Western and Islamic education.

“We need a president strong enough to introduce a law making education compulsory for every child. Any parent who denies their child an education should face legal consequences,” he stated.

He further proposed that while children can learn Arabic and Islamic studies in primary schools, it must be mandatory for all children to attend school. This, he believes, would dismantle the Almajiri system, where children are exploited by teachers (Mallams) to beg for alms under the guise of religious training.

Pogu also urged the National Assembly to enact laws that make education compulsory up to the secondary level, with penalties for parents who refuse to comply. He argued that such legislation could help curb the recruitment of out-of-school children by insurgents, who use them for violent purposes.

“We need laws that enforce education to the secondary school level, with consequences for parents who refuse to send their children to school. This would help stop the recruitment of children by insurgents, who often use them as tools for terror. Many arrested during protests were manipulated into committing violent acts,” he explained.

Pogu further criticized the political interests that have allowed the Almajiri system to persist in the North, calling for bold leadership in both the executive and legislative branches to tackle the issue.

He concluded by calling on Nigerian leaders to take inspiration from countries like China and India, where bold decisions were made for national progress. Pogu argued that Nigeria needs leaders who are willing to face opposition and make difficult choices for the country’s future.