Victims of neglect — Sultan

His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Saad Abubakar, has noted that the almajiris are not criminals but victims of neglect by their parents.

He then called on Islamic scholars in the northern part of Nigeria to come up with strategies on how to overcome the almajiri phenomenon in the region

The Sultan made the call in an address in Minna, Niger State capital, while responding on behalf of 100 individuals and non-governmental organisations that were honoured by Islamic Education Trust (IET) for the roles they play in ensuring peaceful coexistence in the country.

The monarch who was represented by the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi III, said almajiris parents’ who neglected them will render account of their actions here on earth and before Allah in the hereafter.

He however noted that to address the phenomenon, there is need for holistic approach which would accommodate how to overcome the challenge of distance between the children and education.

He also emphasised the need for the curriculum to be expanded to recognise Igbo, Hausa, and Yoruba and Arabic so that schools in Nigeria can use them to teach science and technology related subjects as adopted in other countries.

He also called on the scholars not to leave people at the grassroots out on how they can benefit from the use of science and technology in their affairs, especially farming since smart phones are common.