Commission blames parents for rising cases of out-of-school children

Executive Secretary, National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education in Nigeria, Dr Mohammad Idris, has blamed the increasing number of out-of-school children on parents’ negligence and lack of care.

Idris lamented that these children have become “a growing nuisance” to society.

The Almajiri system involves children from poor families studying the Quran under religious teachers, and living in religious schools with the expectation of food and shelter.

However, the system has faced criticisms as many children end up on the streets, begging for food due to lack of care and support.

Speaking on the development, Idris lamented that the rise of the Almajiri phenomenon is due to the failure of some parents to discharge their responsibilities.

“They simply give birth and send their children to Quaranic Schools without providing for their well-being. Boko Haram has exploited these children, especially since many of them are unaware of the true teachings of the Holy Quran. Boko Haram has taken advantage of their ignorance, giving them distorted interpretations that are contrary to the real message.”

He added that if individuals chose to have children, they must also take responsibility for raising them.

He mentioned the ongoing efforts of sensitisation and advocacy, going door to door to gain support for government policies on ending indiscriminate childbearing.

Idris stated that government agencies would collaborate to ensure that those who fail to comply with policies face the consequences,

He added: “If you choose to have a child, you must also take responsibility for raising them. What we’re doing now is sensitisation and advocacy, going door to door to gain support.

“However, this is the government, and we cannot continue to reject government policies while producing children who cause societal problems. We must ensure that things are done right, and everyone must be held accountable. All government agencies will collaborate to ensure that when people fail to comply with policies, the full force of government action will be enforced.”