Alhaji Mohammed Ali, the Chairman of Almajiri Schools Association, Nasarawa, on Wednesday said his members would continue to conform with the Almajiri system of education while also protecting child’s rights in the state.
Ali gave the assurance in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lafia on Wednesday.
He said that the leadership of the association had always emphasised the importance of adhering to Almajiri schools’ rules to avoid controversy.
Ali said the association, which comprised proprietors and teachers, was conscious of the need to protect the rights of children in the Almajiri schools.
According to him, there has always been constant reminder of these at periodic meetings and the need for those in charge of schools across the state to ensure the children are well trained.
“We often hold periodic meetings to discuss the fate of Almajiri system of education in the state and in these meetings, we always emphasise to our members to follow our stipulated rules and guidelines and ensure children in their care are trained properly and well cared for.
“Aside that, some of our officials often go on inspection visits to structures housing the Almajiri children to see how they are doing and how they are cared for,” the chairman said.
Ali said the association’s collaboration with the bi-lingual education programme to offer standard Qur’anic education to Almajiris in the state was a welcome development.
This, he said, would further entrench proper training of Almajiris in the state.
“All along we have been looking for assistance from government and thank God, this bi-lingual project and sought partnership with us.
“We held meetings with officials of the project and informed them of our association and now they are trying to incorporate us into their plans which are very okay for us,” he said.
He said that the bi-lingual education programme project which aimed at building three standard schools in the state would accommodate 900 Almajiris.
Ali said the accommodation would help mop children from the streets and offer them standard education, feeding and other necessities. (NAN)
