Days ago, I was in the class, so engrossed in my law books that I hardly looked up to see passersby or respond to sounds coming from various angles.
However, there was this particular sound I was tired of listening to, and I had to look up to see who continuously reiterated it. It was an Almajiri boy who kept begging repeatedly for money or any other thing that will fill his hungry stomach.
Kayi Hakuri I said softly in consolation, impatiently he moved to the next set of students in the class incessantly crying ”Dan Allah Taimakamin Inci Abinci ”,
Unfortunately, they kept rewarding him with the phrase ”Kayi Hakuri”
But ”Kayi Hakuri” wasn’t a Morsel of Dambu, Tuwo, Garau Garau to satisfy his hunger.
I knew there was nothing in my bag but so disturbed by the boy’s dire quest for food, I reached out to my purse to see if I could miraculously run into a 50 naira I didn’t keep. but couldn’t find any fallen manna from heaven in the purse.
The fact that I couldn’t help was quite disturbing but I had no option because my hands were tied. Just then I noticed that the boy was in NYSC uniform, it rang a bell in my mind ”Some people feel happy in this attire for it marks a happy moment because it looks like the stuff of dream but here was this poor boy wearing it while he hopelessly walked hither thither in the hot corridors of UDUS.
On the other hand, I’ve had encounters with a quite number of Almajiris here in my school working tirelessly to fend for themselves by selling sachet water or working as salesboys to business owners and that has of course made me happy.
One sunny day while I was going back to the hostel after a tight lecture schedule, I heard a voice behind me ”Aunty Come buy pure water”
I couldn’t help but turn to see who was that, surprisingly it was one of these Almajiris whom I thought could not pronounce a single English word requested I buy from him in good command of the English Language.
Here, it should be clearly understood that most of these boys only beg because they have no option and are ready to learn and explore but have been weighed down by societal pressure, improper parenting, and the government’s nonchalant attitude.
I’ve read heartrending articles and poems written by phenomenal writers here and have witnessed a whole lot of programs within my state and outside centering on how to curb the plight of Almajiris in the north but it disturbs the balance of my mind how only very few of them has come to fruition.
As a young woman with a strong zeal to wipe the tears of Almajiris and other vulnerable in the society I’ve come up with some long-lasting solutions:-
1, the government should revitalize Almajiri schools and make them a forum for education and skill acquisition.
2, Government should put in place a sanction upon any Mallam whose student (Almajiri) is seen on the street begging.
3, Proper Enlightenment should be made to educate parents on the menace of improper parenthood and shape their thinking right.
In conclusion, as a voiceless citizen of the country of Nigeria, I hold on to Facebook as a mouthpiece through which my voice could be heard.
I will be very glad if this attracts the right audience and reaches the ears of the government and attracts implementation.
I’m Muhammad Habibat Sani
A 200level Law student of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto