Sangaya is a system of informal education predominant in the northern part of Nigeria (but its presence stretches across sub-Saharan Africa). Without standard structures to serve as classes, in the early days students usually are cramped in Zaures (the reception like structure that links to the inner house); where the number of students increases, groups especially within the same study level can be made and shifted to sit under trees.
THE SANGAYA SYSTEM
The Sangaya system of education basically as its primary function imparts on the students the knowledge of reciting the Quran and committing it to memory, while in the early days other fundamental pillars and principles of religion were taught, today in most Sangaya systems the other branches of religious knowledge have been neglected to dwindle away. In the early days Tuition fees were not paid (it was a charitable deed) but alms and gifts given at will were accepted.
Almajiris Source: baobabafricaonline.com
THE PUPILS
Sangaya students are usually called ‘ALMAJIRAI’ (singular- ALMAJIRI) and in the early days of sangaya system of education two types of pupils were seen. Those who are sent in by their parents from remote villages to inner cities in the name of gaining knowledge and the other group are those within and around the vicinity.
The latter usually return home after studies (day students) while the former stay back (boarders), because the system lack organization these students are not under any circumstance whatsoever taken care of; thus, to eat, the Almajiri will have to equip himself with a small dish (which is also begged for) and then go out begging for meals
The appearance of an Almajiri is usually very dirty and shabby looking and this is not unconnected with the inability to effect hygiene due to age (children as low as five years old are brought to Sangayas).
THE ADVENT OF ISLAMIYA SCHHOLS
The advent of the Islamiya schools was an eye opener to a lot of Muslims, especially parents. The Islamiya exposed the lapses of the sangaya system. To cite two examples, the Islamiya in its capacity puts on view that Islam is not just about reciting the Holy Quran and committing it to memory but in fact has a lot of other sections that include principles of how to recite the Quran and its phonetics etc, Hadith (life and teachings of the Prophet (P.B.U.H); Sharia (Islamic law and jurisprudence) etc. Today, the Islamiya system has upgraded its syllabus to include English, Mathematics, and other science related courses, a situation which left the Sangaya system bankrupt of its student’s influx as well as influence.
A TWIST IN THE SANGAYA
The Sangaya is not a structured system in many regards. It was a system which started as a charitable deed, where a learned person decides to impart knowledge gained to the young for God sake. This however took a positive turn as parents send in alms and gifts to these scholars; but this trend took another turn when other knowledgeable yet redundant individuals decided to join the bandwagon and start teaching for the sake of gaining material things (in the past, there were incidences where scholars are given flight tickets to perform pilgrimage, houses and even cars are given as gifts to them).
Unfortunately for these scholars that sought material gain, parents found the Islamiya system more appealing.
This situation really had a negative impact on the Sangaya, especially the latter form, thus these scholars then began to improvise strategies for survival amongst which include strategically posting the Almajiris to beg. Its disheartening to know that most of the things the Almajiris beg for are not for their consumption but are brought back to the mallam’s house.
Today the begging for their Mallams has taken a different dimension that includes a common trend nowadays where a group of Almajiris spend their entire day in front of the cemetery waiting for families burying their dead. After the funeral, the boys would follow the returning vehicles back to the house of the deceased and return there on the third, seventh and forty day prayers to beg.
The Mallam’s wife is not left out in this despicable act, on her part and as at most times she assigns tasks to these children and these includes hawking, fetching water for domestic use, washing, and menial jobs where the wages are paid to her.
THE POSITION OF ISLAM
Islam as a religion does not in any way support this, parents are expected to care for their children; a child needs parents in the process of growing up. It is a parent’s responsibility to cater for the needs of their family and not send a 5 years old child away to be cared for by someone else, particularly as they usually are not cared for by these mallams who use these children to beg and use them as child labourers.
Government need to intervene in this despicable society wrecking situation. Unless this sector is squarely faced and dealt with, our society will continue to breed and make haven to ignorant yet myopic generations of people who have turned begging into a profession.
As I concerned citizen, here are my recommendations to the government:
Until the government (and all stakeholders) wake up to address this shameful and yet loathsome situation, the prevalence of child labour and abuse, increase in crime and other vices such as killing for rituals, unemployment and so on will continue to crop up in our society thereby posing threat to development.
