Alhaji Uba Aliyu, a community leader in Kaduna South Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has lauded Governor Nasir el-Rufai for banning Almajiri children (Islamic school pupils) in the state.
The community leader gave the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Kaduna on Sunday.
Aliyu said the development would complement the state government’s child protection and welfare law.
He said: “Times change.
“Almajiri is no longer the same as it was in the past.
“It is high time for parents to own up to their responsibility and enrol their wards to Quranic school in their immediate environment.
“We are witness to how the Almajiri children, expected to be in school, are wandering the streets begging and scavenging for food.”
Aliyu added that the evacuation and return of the children to their parents would help in monitoring their education and general well being.
He advocated for the restructuring of the Almajiri school to be in tune with modern day realities, to protect the children and enable them to learn the Qur’an.
NAN reports that Governor El-Rufai recently announced plans to enrol 200 evacuated Almajiri children into the formal system in their respective communities.
The state government also proscribed Almajiri school and stipulated a two-year jail term for erring parents who enrol their children in Almajiri schools, while defaulting itinerary teachers are to face similar penalty with a fine of between N100,000 and N200,000.
NAN.