By Ado Hassan, Sokoto
A member of House of Representatives, Hon. Balarabe Shehu Kakale on Monday insisted that the repatriation of Almajiris to their states of origin by some states governors is unconstitutional and a violation of their rights, just as he advocated for the reformation of the classical Almajiri system of education.
Kakale said there was the need to adequately look into the Almajiri system and other forms of education for sustainable reform that would domesticate and recognise same.
Briefing reporters at a press conference, Kakale who represents Bodinga/Dange Shuni/ Tureta Federal Constituency said it was a violation of their rights and freedom of movements and association with other Nigerians.
According to him ” it is out of place even in the midts of the novel Covid -19 pandemic”, he pointed out.
He said the Almajiri system should be adequately recognise as a skillsficate system including those of the christian schools and other forms of education for the advancement of the country.
” We want the Almajiri system to be protected, maintained and supported.They are a different classification from the socioeconomic Almajiri who ho round begging without going to school.
” The are forced beggars too as a result of child labour as well those encouraged by irresponsible parents”, he pointed out.
According to the PDP lawmaker and member of the House committee on Education, Health among other committees” the classical system should be mainstreamed and graduates to be recognised and be given the space to excellent towards contributing to national development.
” I want the world to know that I was a graduate of the Almajiri system and you can see my skillsficate on display.
” With this, a graduate can be a professional calligrapher, Technical designer , wood work expert, leather works designer and many other skills trade”, he mentioned.
He presented a number of young graduates and students of the classical system of Almajiri education” otherwise, ‘ New Makarantan Allo’ who show cased some of their skillfull works including young Usman and Abubakar, displaying among others the iconic gate of the Sultan’s palace, home made water pump to mention a few.
” If such schools and graduates will be supported , they will add value to the economy”, he stressed.
He commended Sokoto state government for muting the idea of working a blue print to reform the Almajiri system to the Indonesian Pondok system of education .
” I am championing the course along other representatives to repeal the SUBEB law so that it would recognise an all inclusive participation that will consider all categories of school system.
” We must be able to mainstream this category of students( Almajiri and Christian brothers schools) of over 10 million in the course of strengthening and advancing the reform for the nation to develop”, he pointed out.
