Left to the Streets: Inside the Struggles of Almajiri Children in Runji, Zuba. By Anthony Eze

Between Faith and Survival: Community Voices Raise Concern Over Almajiri Children in Runji, Zuba

RUNJI, ZUBA, ABUJA — Along the dusty streets of Runji community in Zuba, Abuja, young boys carrying plastic bowls move from house to house asking for food or money. For many residents, the sight of these children wandering the streets has become a common but troubling reality.

The children are part of the traditional Almajiri system, where young boys are sent away from home to study the Qur’an under Islamic teachers, popularly known as Mallams.

However, interviews conducted with residents in the community reveal mixed reactions about the system and its impact on the children and the society around them.

“Many Parents Have Abandoned the Children," Mallam

An Islamic teacher in the community, Salisu Isah, explained that the Almajiri system was originally intended to help children gain Islamic knowledge, especially those who lack access to formal education.

According to him, many of the children brought to Qur’anic schools come from families who cannot provide education for them.

“The purpose of the Almajiri system is for children to learn,” he said. “Many of them do not have schools to attend, which is why they are brought here.”

Isah noted that the children sometimes roam the streets because their parents have abandoned responsibility for their care.

“The lessons they receive every day are about Islam, but the children go around begging because the Mallams are also married men with families they must take care of,” he added.

He suggested that government intervention could improve the situation.

“If the government creates big Islamic schools and pays Mallams properly, things would be better for the Almajiris.”

For now, he admitted that the future of many of the children remains uncertain until they grow older and start families of their own.

Community Concerns

A trader in the area, Mrs. Maryloveth, said the Almajiri children frequently visit shops and homes in the community.

While some residents show sympathy toward them, she said others have become cautious because of reported cases of theft.

“They come regularly to beg,” she said. “But sometimes some of them steal, which makes people respond badly to them.”

According to her, their presence has created concerns among residents.

“Yes, their presence affects the community because some of them have turned into threats.”

Education Gap

A school teacher in the community, Mrs. Otokpa, expressed concern about the lack of formal education among many Almajiri children.

She said the absence of structured schooling may affect their development and integration into modern society.

“The system affects them as individuals because they are not taught the norms and values that formal education provides,” she explained.

She warned that some children may later engage in harmful activities.

“Some of them grow up to become touts, smokers, or even kidnappers in society.”

However, she emphasized that Islamic education and formal education can work together.

“Both systems can complement each other in shaping the moral and social lives of children.”

Mrs. Otokpa added that without formal education, many children struggle with communication and comprehension later in life.

As a solution, she recommended awareness campaigns.

“Government should create awareness through NGOs, individuals, and religious leaders such as Imams.”

Views from Parents

A Christian parent in the community, Mr. Luka Mathew Akukah, said the presence of Almajiri children on the streets is not encouraging.

“Their system is not aligning with the modern society, and they do not have a standard curriculum that is globally accepted,” he said.

He suggested reforms to improve the educational structure of the system.

“Government should reform their education by introducing a better curriculum, providing school infrastructure, and training the Mallams.”

He also noted that communities and families could help support the children by providing accommodation and other forms of assistance.

Similarly, a Muslim parent, Mrs. Zulia Abdulmalik, explained that many children are sent far from home to learn the Qur’an because parents believe they will take their studies more seriously away from family distractions.

“They are sent to learn more about the Qur’an,” she said. “Some parents believe that if the children remain at home they may not take their learning seriously.”

She identified lack of food as one of the major challenges the children face.

“One basic challenge they face is insufficient food.”

Despite the hardship, she expressed hope that the children would achieve their purpose of learning.

Need for Support and Reform

Organizations such as UNICEF have repeatedly emphasized the need to protect children’s rights to education, safety, and proper care. Government initiatives supported by the Universal Basic Education Commission have also attempted to integrate Qur’anic education with formal schooling in Nigeria.

However, observations from the Runji community suggest that many Almajiri children still struggle with basic needs.

During visits around the area, this reporter observed several children moving through the streets in search of food or small coins.

Many residents believe that stronger collaboration between government, religious leaders, and communities could help improve the lives of the children.

Providing well-structured schools that combine Islamic learning with formal education, alongside proper support for Mallams, may offer a path toward ensuring that these children receive both moral guidance and opportunities for a better future.