Peter Obi, the former Anambra state governor and Labour Party’s presidential candidate for the 2023 elections, recently addressed the urgent educational challenges in northern Nigeria during a meeting in Abuja. He emphasized the issue of out-of-school children, particularly those in the Almajiri community.
He mentioned that he has taken the initiative to visit the North and engage directly with Almajiri children, emphasizing their intelligence and potential. He believes it’s essential to bring education to them, as they possess remarkable capabilities.
”We can’t talk about free universal basic education when people are not going to school. Our children are not in school. I’ve taken time to go to the North and sat down with the Almajiri children; they are the most brilliant people God created. If they can’t go to school, take the school to them.”
He recounted visits to Almajiri schools, where children eager to learn memorize the Qur’an. He stated,
“If children can memorize the Qur’an, then in those same spaces, they can also be taught English, Mathematics, and Science. If they can’t access formal schools, then let’s take the schools to them, just like it’s already being done.”
By focusing on the Almajiri community and promoting accessible education, Obi hopes to reduce the number of out-of-school children and help uplift many northern Nigerian communities from poverty.