Poverty, Insecurity Drive Almajiri Migration to Abuja

The growing presence of Almajiri children on Abuja’s streets reflects deeper socio-economic and security challenges in northern Nigeria.

Aminu, a nine-year-old from Katsina, spends his days begging in Kubwa with a plate around his neck. He proudly identifies as an Almajiri and has never attended western-style school. “My father strictly forbids it. It is haram,” he says.

Like many Almajirai, he left home to study the Quran but now depends on alms to survive, often sleeping outdoors. He says he fled to Abuja out of fear of being recruited by terrorists.

For Ibrahim, now a motorcyclist in Bwari, the journey began at age five when he was sent to study under a Mallam. Life in cities like Kano was harsh, with inadequate shelter and reliance on charity.

Economic hardship later forced many pupils to abandon their studies. “My friend encouraged me to follow him to Abuja, where he said we could make more money and continue with our Islamic studies,” Ibrahim recalled.

Similarly, 17-year-old Mansur Liman fled Zamfara after bandits attacked his village.

“I came to Abuja… because bandits attacked my village and wanted to recruit me into their fighting force but I resisted them,” he said.

The situation reflects a wider crisis. UNICEF estimates that up to 20 million Nigerian children are out of school, with over 80 per cent in the North.

Longstanding issues such as poverty, weak educational systems, cultural practices, and insecurity continue to fuel the Almajiri system and child migration.

Government reforms, including policies approved under President Bola Tinubu to integrate Qur’anic and formal education, aim to address the issue. However, experts stress that implementation, community engagement, and sustained funding are critical.

“We are never short on brilliant ideas and policies… What has always been our greatest challenge is implementing them,” said educationist Ikwulono Oguche.

Without meaningful change, analysts warn that the cycle of displacement, poverty, and street begging among Almajiri children may continue.

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