Poverty forcing Almajirai into street – Sultan
AI Executive Briefing
Gemini Flash AI~45s readThe Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has publicly addressed the crisis of Almajiri children begging, attributing the trend to systemic poverty rather than a lack of interest in education. He called for urgent government intervention to provide educational opportunities and skills training to vulnerable children.
Context & Background
- ✦The issue of out-of-school children is identified as a significant threat to Nigeria's national security and development.
- ✦There is a prevailing misconception on social media that Muslims oppose Western education, which the Sultan explicitly refuted by highlighting the importance of both Islamic and conventional knowledge.
Key Figures & Named Entities
•Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, Sultan of Sokoto, who advocated for educational reform and poverty alleviation.•Gombe State Government and Zamfara State, recognized for establishing schools that integrate Qur’anic and conventional education.
Outlook & Next Steps
The Sultan is pushing for the expansion of educational facilities nationwide and continues to support the 'Keeping Girls in School' programme to improve educational access.
Key Takeaways
AI Summary- The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, identifies poverty as the primary driver forcing Almajiri children into street begging.
- The Sultan emphasized that these children desire education but are hindered by a lack of resources, noting that Islam does not support begging.
- The Sultan advocated for a dual-education model, similar to initiatives in Gombe and Zamfara states, to integrate Qur’anic and conventional learning.
Key Facts:2026: The Sultan of Sokoto chaired the 2026 annual convention of the Barewa Old Boys Association (BOBA) in Gombe.
Editorial Excerpt
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has blamed poverty for forcing many Almajiri children into street begging, saying most of them are...
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
What does the Sultan believe is the main reason for children begging on the streets?
The Sultan attributes the phenomenon to poverty, stating that the children are willing to learn but lack the necessary resources to attend school.
What solution does the Sultan propose for the out-of-school children crisis?
He urges governments to establish more schools that combine Qur’anic education with conventional learning and skills acquisition, citing successful models in Gombe and Zamfara states.
