The Centre for Democratic Development Research and Training (CEDDERT) has organized a two-day regional conference on Transforming the Almajiri System of Education in Northern Nigeria at The Fabs Hotel, Zaria Kaduna State, from 28th – 29th September 2022. The conference was staged to map out solutions to the issues surrounding the educational system of the Almajiri and to see ways in which people can collaborate for a better chance.
CEDDERT is a non-profit scholarly trust organization that is independent in its aim to promote and advance scientific research and training to proffer solutions to the problems relating to democratic development from the ground level up to the national level and even across the Pan-African level.
The organization was founded in March 1992.
CEDDERT Conference on Almajiri
The event took off at exactly 10:30 am and was graced by distinguished dignitaries across the Northern states of Nigeria and other countries like Senegal, Ghana, and Niger.
HRH, Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, who is currently the 19th Fulani Emir of Zazzau, was the Royal father of the day, while Dr. Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed – Director of Centre for Democratic Development Research and Training (CEDDERT), Dr. Kole Shettima – Director MacArthur Foundation Nigeria were all in total attendances. Other attendees include Vice-chancellors, Professors, representatives of organizations, and the general public.
The event started with an opening prayer, after which the National anthem was sung.
The Speakers
Prof. Abubakar Siddique Mohammed
The Director of CEDDERT, Prof. Abubakar Siddique Mohammed, gave an opening speech on how Almajiri’s education system is quite poor and not paid attention to and the issues surrounding being an Almajiri alongside sharing his experience of some major highlights an Almajiri undergoes.
The director further explained how CEDDERT has carried out a lot of research on the Almajiri system of education across the country, partnering with other people in the country and other countries like Burkina Faso, Senegal, and Niger, amongst others.
He also stressed the importance that the Almajiri system exists with its goal and issues and the fact that it has come to stay.
Dr. Kole Shettima
The Director of the MacArthur Foundation, Dr. Kole Shettima, described the event organized by CEDDERT as a homecoming because he got to see some faces he never saw.
He went further to describe how Covid 19 affected the Almajiri and how the issues were reported to the organization’s headquarters in Chicago, which led to the organization of this conference.
According to the Director, MacArthur Foundation is one that supports creative people, effective institutions, and influential networks, building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world.
HRH, Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli
Currently, the 19th Fulani Emir of Zazzau and a banker, lawyer, and diplomat, HRH, spoke about how the Almajiri’s education system is neglected in Northern Nigeria and how the people must make the change they deserve.
He further talked about how the Almajiri should have access to basic amenities such as water, food, shelter, and quality knowledge to read and recite the Qur’an.
The royal father suggested scrapping irrelevant courses, not of societal importance from the educational system. Finally, he urged everyone there to rise above their sentiments to achieve the desired goals.
Dr. Aminu Shagagi
Dr. Aminu made a keynote address where he discussed the importance of knowledge and the blessings in Islam. While speaking, he made some references to the Qurans, quoted some Hadiths and Imams, and spoke about various Islamic books that correlate to the various fields of Islam.
Prof Abdulkadir Al’amin
The Prof delivered a presentation on behalf of CEDDERT on the topic: Transformation of Almajiri System of Education: Problems, Prospect and Way Forward.
He stated the problems, misconceptions, methodology, and final result as of when the research was carried out.
Dr. Abubakar Isa
The University don From the Department of Islamic Studies, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, highlighted some of the contemporary problems affecting Almajiri’s school system in Northern Nigeria using Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, as a case study.
Prof. Mohammed Bello Yunusa
This speaker stressed the Islamic pupils’ needs and lives, emphasizing the basis of the Almajiri needs and why the system must be upheld. He made everyone understand that Children taken from tender age at the expense of no basic amenities or municipal services are at risk of being frustrated or maltreated.
Aliyu Sakariyau Alabi
The lecturer was from the Department of History, Bayero University, Kano State, and he presented the Conundrum of the Almajiri that can be resolved through strategic actions.
Online Sessions
Two papers were presented via Zoom sessions, and they include The Peril of Almajiranchi in Northern Nigeria and Government’s Struggle in Reforming Tsangaya by Dr. Aisha Mahmoud Hamman, who is a lecturer in the department of Accounting, Ahmadu Bello University, and Repositioning Almajiri Schools in Niger by Dr. Hadiza Nuhu, OON of Herbal point, Abuja.
Because of time constraints, some people could not deliver their papers.
The conference ended around 6:30 pm with prayers wishing everyone a safe journey back to their various destinations.
Second Day
The event’s second day took off at exactly 10 am with an opening prayer. A lot of speakers spoke about different issues concerning the Almajiri system of Education in the Northern state.
This conference was not restricted to only Nigerian Speakers.
Al-Amin Algoni Durma
From Maiduguri, Borno state, the gentleman spoke about what it means to be an Almajiri. These challenges come alongside being an Almajiri and the Almajiri system of education and the solutions to the challenges of the Almajiri system in Northern Nigeria.
Prof. Isma’ila A. Tsiga
The Professor from the Department of English and literacy studies at Bayero University, Kano state, spoke on the topic: Laying the foundation for the future society: Upgrading the Almajiri System of Education in Northern Nigeria.
The presentation was done first in Arabic and then in the Hausa language.
Prof. Abdullahi Muhammad El-Okene
Prof Okene runs the IOTB school for the Memorisation of the Holy Qur’an; Hanwa Zaria. He spoke about having complete knowledge and understanding of what Isam is all about and how following the teachings of Shaikh Ibrahim Niass can be helpful.
He further spoke about how the IOTB school for the Memorisation of the Holy Qur’an, Hanwa-Zaria, started, the challenges they faced, the reformation they had to undergo, and the solutions.
Joseph Ki-Zerbo
From Boukaré GANSONRÉ Université, Ouagadougou Burkina Faso, this don spoke about the contemporary problems of the Koranic school in Burkina Faso. He stated that the Koranic school in Burkina Faso is faced with limiting challenges, such as Children sitting on the mat or under the mango tree with the teacher, which makes them uncomfortable and sleepy.
He also spoke about how the Quranic school cannot present itself suitably in this modern day, especially in the city of Burkina Faso.
Prof. Seyni Moumoun
The Professor from IRSH-Université de Niamey-Niger reminded the listeners of how Nigeria and Niger share similar traits regarding Islamic Culture. He stated that the Quranic school is the oldest basic education in Niger, and the teachings of Islam are spread through the Quranic school.
Prof Seyni Moumouni spoke about the laws guiding the Quranic school, their importance, and their effects. Also explaining how the youths have improved in their speech as a result of learning the Quran with other international languages.
Prof. Amidu Sanni
The Vice Chancellor of Fountain University, Osogbo, presented a paper titled: A hanging Sword in the Orchard of Hanging Fruits: Interacting with Almajiri Realities and Prospects.
According to him, the solution to the problem is within us. He further stated that there should be an upgrade on the Almajiri and Arabic traditional literacy while emphasizing the UN SDG4 goals, ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education, promoting lifelong learning opportunities, and incorporating relevant skills for learning.
Umar Jabbi Muhammad (Ph.D.)
From History Department Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, this speaker spoke on the Critical Reflections on the Almajiri System of Education and Reform strategies in Northern Nigeria.
Other sessions held on Zoom include; Islamic religious education centers in Senegal and the dynamics of their modernization By Doctor Amadou Moctar SY, Temporary teacher in the Department of Linguistics and Language Sciences at Cheikh Anta DIOP University in Dakar/Senegal, and The Crisis of Almajiranci: Historical perspective and Policy by Prof. Muhammad Sani Umar from the department of History and Diplomatic Studies, University of Abuja, FCT.
Conclusion
Prof Alkassum Abba of the History Department, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, gave the closing remark, thanked all the participants, and wished everyone a safe journey back to their destinations.
My name is Rabi Abdullahi, I am 17 years old. I grew up in Tsibiri, Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State. My father had a millet farm, and my mother didn’t work. She cared for our home and all the children- I have six brothers and four sisters.
Our village’s Councilor drove a blue tortoise car we all wished to ride in one day. His children attended school in the neighboring town, and I envied them a lot. I always loved how smartly dressed they were, but my father was emphatic that no child would attend formal school beyond primary education.
This is my story of how I have been afforded a life beyond my dreams through safe spaces.
In 2019, the Center for Girls’ Education was in my community to sensitize parents and children about the importance of schooling. They got our fathers interested in education by telling them about the many benefits of education. This was a true dream for many other girls in the Tsibiri community and me.
When I was recruited into The Malala Advocacy Project (MAP), I was fourteen-year-old and primary 6. I was one of the lucky girls to be enrolled in the safe space club, and through safe space, I was able to get clarity and have a map of what my life should be.
The Centre for Girls Education is an organization focused primarily on empowering girls through education. Being a beneficiary allowed me to transit to secondary school, which would never have been the case as my father had previously stated that we would all attain a maximum primary education.
At the Center, I got to meet other girls like me. Some were battling gender-based violence, while some were not confident in themselves. Many just never had the opportunity to speak for themselves. The Center’s safe space was where we learned to heal, speak, and appreciate ourselves for who we are. We learned to support one another and be the voice that other girls needed. I connected with other girls, made friends, and got a social network to last me a lifetime.
The Centre employs the Safe Space Methodology to educate girls. The lessons in the safe spaces complemented what I was taught in class. My curiosity and quest for learning, coupled with the extra training I got from the Centre, helped me get to today. Let me take you a little through my experience at the Centre. I also learned to make essential household items I produce and supply within and outside my community in a safe space. I am now self-sufficient and help my parents, who are getting old.
The Safe spaces are girls-only mentored tutored clubs where girls are guided, counseled, and supported to attain self-realization and be all they can be. Through the Safe Space curriculum that focuses on life skills- negotiation, communication, self-esteem, hygiene, safety, sexual reproductive health and rights, preventive health, gender-based violence and prevention, and so on, I was able to know myself more and have life aspirations I could never have before.
I, Rabi, the girl from a rural community, now dare dream of being more. I dream of being an international advocate who will one day help girls like me, help them shine brightly like the stars they were born to be, and become all they want to be in the future. Girls who are suppressed and repressed by archaic beliefs in our society. Girls whose abilities are not allowed to shine. Girls whose creativity isn’t given room to be expressed. This dream is only possible because of the Malala Advocacy Project, for which I am forever thankful.
I call on Governments from every level, International Organizations, traditional and religious leaders, Non-Governmental Organizations, and International Communities to complement the Centre for Girls Education’s effort to expand safe spaces to reach more marginalized girls whose lives can be transformed. The Centre’s effort is like water droplets; they can’t possibly get every girl child out there.
We (every adolescent girl who has benefitted from the Centre) need you to collaborate with the Centre and support her by expanding the safe spaces program to reach more girls so more lives can be transformed.
Adam A Zango is a Nigerian actor, singer, director, producer, scriptwriter, and Philanthropist. He was born on the 1st of August, 1985, in Zangon Kataf of Kaduna state. His estimated net worth is about 300 million Naira.
Name
Adam A Zango
Date of birth
1st August 1985
Networth
300 million naira
Profession
Actor, Singer, film producer, dancer, director, voice-over artist, Television Personality, and Philanthropist
Nationality
Nigerian
State of origin
Kaduna state
Career
Adam Zango, popularly called the prince of Kannywood, is one of the most influential entertainers in Kannywood. His career started as far back as 2001 at the age of 16. He started out as a music composer and moved up the ranks to the most sought-after Hausa actor in no time due to his talent and hard work.
Adam Zango has many hit songs and is well recognized in Nigeria and beyond. In 2014, he received an award for best actor at the Africa movie awards. He also won the award for best Kannywood hip-hop artiste and best Kannywood actor in the city people’s movie awards in 2015.
Some of his hit songs include Soyayya, Aure, Gambara, etc. He has appeared in over 200 movies, including Basaja, Hindu, Bayan Rai, Shaheeda, and several series. He starred in and produced the series Farin Wata sha Kallo and Asin da Asin on YouTube.
Seeing that Kannywood pays an Average of 200k -500k per movie depending on the role and considering the number of movies Adam Zango has starred in, it’s safe to say that a significant part of Adam Zango’s net worth comes from the movies.
Adam Zango’s Businesses
Apart from being one of the most successful actors, Adam A Zango is also one of the richest actors in Kannywood along with other actors like Ali Nuhu, Nazir Sarkin Waka,Rahama Sadau, and others.
Adam Zango has one of the biggest YouTube channels in northern Nigeria, with over 576k subscribers as of October 2022. He has been a YouTuber since 2016 and has 761 videos. He has estimated video views of 97 million. He generates millions from his YouTube channel.
He is the owner of prince Zango productions and White House Family Record Label, with over 5 signed artists. Zango also owns a foundation called the Zango intervention initiative, through which he gives back to the community.
Adam Zango Cars and Houses
Adam A Zango has been in the Industry for about 2 decades and has amassed wealth for himself over the years. This is evident in the luxury cars he owns, his designer clothes, and his multimillion naira home in Abuja and Kaduna. And oh, he’s also been married 6 times. Considering the price of Kayan lefe, we can say he’s not doing bad at all.
His car collection comprising luxury cars like a Jeep Wrangler worth 23 million, A G wagon, Range Rover, Benz, and Bentley is worth over 150 million naira.
Conclusion
After evaluating the worth of his assets, Adam Zango’s net worth is estimated at about 300 million Naira. This is impressive for someone who singlehandedly made it in the industry through hard work and dedication. His story will surely inspire the next generation of actors.
Tiktok. The platform has it all. From Music stars, athletes, comedians, and actors. And Kannywood stars too.
Between 2014 to 2019, one could say Instagram was the status symbol for Kannywood Stars. There, they interact with their fans and compete with each other regarding followers. Post-2020 that has all changed.
Now Tiktok is the new king of content. Arewa TikTok especially is a sensation with billions of videos watched.
The who is who of Kannywood are all there. From stars like Ali Nuhu, Maryam Yahaya, and Hadiza Gabon, directors like Aminu S Bono, Aminu Saira, and musicians like Nazir Sarkin Waka, you name it. But why are they trooping to the video-sharing platform?
To most, like Maryam Yahaya, Momee Gombe, and others, it’s mostly about privacy and control. They can now engage in the recent trend or dance to their favorite Hausa song without the fear of being called out by fans. After all, they could simply restrict who comments on their post, a feature they seldom use on Instagram or Facebook.
To others, it is just another platform to gain followers, interact with them, and promote their latest activities. After all, Tiktok is the next big thing.
Will this exodus affect their fanbase on platforms like Instagram? Perhaps. But it’s just something their fans have to get used to, as the opportunities the platform offers are too good to be turned down.
Princess Mufeedah is how she styled herself. She is one of the top female rappers in Northern Nigeria. But is she a Muslim? This is what one fan wanted to know. The response? It shocked everybody.
The rapper had been one of the top female stars in the music industry in northern Nigeria. She has hit songs including ‘Baza,’ ‘Ji Mana’, ‘Our tears,’ and many more. She is currently signed to Adam Zango’s White House Family.
When asked on Tiktok if she was a Muslim, Princess Mufeedah responded with a video of her reciting the Glorious Quran in a melodious voice. This naturally shocked many people, including the person who asked the question in the first place.
“I agree now. May Allah guides you”, was his response. But, many others believe the voice is not hers. According to one @hauwuibraheem7, “the voice doesn’t sound like hers. She is just miming the recitation.” Many others seem to share this point.
Being a top female star, it was a pleasant surprise to many when she appeared to be reciting the Quran flawlessly. The actress who once played the role of Salma in Kwana Casa’in has been criticized for her music style and brazen appearances.
Going forward, it seems the actress has many more surprises.
