Reviving the Almajiri Integrated Model Schools in Northern Nigeria: A Pathway to Countering Terrorism

Abstract

Boko Haram, the Islamic terrorist group who predominantly has its base in North East Nigeria appears to draws some of its recruits from the Almajiri, the wandering Islamic pupils. This appears to have escalated the number of teenagers within the terrorist group making it a matter of high concern that needs to be addressed. Although, the federal government has taken lots of measure to counter terrorism in Nigeria, most of these measures appear to be on reactive measures such as military responses. Since most of the teenagers who join Boko Haram appear to do so due to ideological extremism, it  becomes imperative to include soft power such as quality formal education to moderate religious prejudices that trigger hate for individuals who are religiously and culturally different. This research therefore recommends that government should include the use of soft power such as education in its fight against terrorism. The already instituted Almajiri integrated modern schools should be revived and boosted with incentives and modern educational facilities. Government’s concentration in modernizing Almajiris’ education and rehabilitating the already radicalized will go a long way to address the drivers of terrorism which is usually born by religious extremism and intolerance for others. It is hoped the target will eventually be built with confidence and understanding to resist hateful propaganda that legitimate the use of violence. The researchers used changed theory for this study.

Keywords: Boko Haram, Almajiri, Formal education, Terrorism, Northern Nigeria, ideological extremism, Religious prejudices, incentives, federal Government.

DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/9-1-01