In a recent interview with the Nigerian Tribune, Middlebelt leader, Pogu has called for urgent reforms to combat the growing population of Almajiri children in northern Nigeria.
He advocates for a law mandating compulsory education for all children, suggesting that parents who refuse to send their children to school should face jail time.
Pogu emphasized the need for a strong legislative framework to eradicate the Almajiri system, where children beg under the guise of religious instruction. He pointed out the hypocrisy of leaders promoting this system while benefiting from formal education. Despite previous efforts, such as the establishment of Almajiri schools by former President Goodluck Jonathan, many of these institutions remain abandoned.
With an estimated 30 million children out of school in the North, Pogu described the situation as alarming. He warned that without proper education, these children often resort to menial jobs, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and recruitment by insurgent groups. He argued that mandatory schooling could prevent these children from becoming tools of violence and unrest.
Pogu also noted the emergence of groups like Lukawara, which have gained strength in states like Sokoto and Kebbi. He criticized the lack of accountability among political leaders and called for a decisive response from the Nigerian government to curb these threats. He noted that while the military has the capability to confront these issues, they often face political and operational constraints.
He stressed the importance of bold leadership, urging the National Assembly to support educational reforms and hold governors accountable for non-compliance. He cited successful models from countries like China and India, advocating for leaders who are willing to make tough decisions for national progress.
In his closing remark, Pogu called on President Bola Tinubu to empower the military to take decisive action against insurgents and to prioritize the education of Nigerian children to secure a better future for the nation.
