Take responsibility of Almajiri Child – Northern Scholars Charge Govt, Parents 

By Abdullahi Kano

Worried by the perennial dilapidation of societal values especially in the Northern community, stakeholders in the region have urged parents to assume full responsibility of their subjects.

The Religious leaders stated this during the annual Ramadan public lecture organized by “Islamic Forum of Nigeria” held in Kano on Saturday.

In their separate calls, the scholars were unanimous against parents neglecting their primary responsibility leading to the proliferation of Almajiri children, fending for themselves on the streets in the name of seeking knowledge.

Speaking on the theme ” Everyone is Shepard”, Director, Centre for Quranic Studies, Bayero University, Kano, Professor Mohammad Babangida Mohammad explained that parents would be held responsible for how they train children.
Professor Mohammad who raised concern about the increasing rate of security threats and crime in the society, blame parents for failing to take full control of their entrusted responsibilities.
“Parents own their children the responsibility of education. Children should not be sent out in the name of seeking knowledge without parents taking care of their feeding, clothing, and shelter as well as taking responsibility for the teachers. Anything fall short of that is an aberration of responsibility and the Almighty God will query such parents”. Professor Mohammad noted.
On his part, Chief Imam, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Professor Salihu S. Abubakar also challenged the head of the family and concerned authorities to ensure proper management of their affairs.
According to him, “The prophet of Islam clearly states the responsibility of parents and the problem Nigeria is now facing in terms of security and society vices are due to lack of family values. Parents have failed to inculcate moral values as emphasized.
Vice-Chancellor, Al-Istiquma University, Kano, Professor Salihu Shehu explained that the annual lecture is being held to address vital societal challenges to find solutions. Professor Salihu the executive secretary Islamic Forum of Nigeria noted that the 2022 theme was carefully selected to reawaken individuals and parents on their responsibility instead of blaming the government.