Religiosity and other Socio-economic Variables affecting Education for Boys in Northern Nigeria

Although progress has been made in examining education in northern Nigeria, literature has yet to focus on the reasons why male children are prevented from going to school in northern Nigeria. This study explores the reasons why Hausa and Fulani children are prevented from gaining formal education in northern Nigeria. The aim of this study was to explore: 1) factors that hinder attainment of formal education for children in northern Nigeria; and 2) the impacts of this discrimination on the children's families, northern Nigeria, and Nigeria in general. This group of men who are educationally discriminated against is known as the almajiri. Under the almajiri system, parents send their children, mostly boys aged 4–12, to distant locations to acquire Qur'anic education. This is a qualitative study, with data gotten through key informant interviews with 11 children and youths, and relevant academic literature was used to substantiate the data collected. It was analysed using Colaizzi's (1978) method of data analysis. The KII was conducted physically and over the phone. Emerged themes included: (1) fear of indoctrination; (2) economic benefits; (3) political benefits; (4) political benefits; (5) physical abuse; (6) sexual abuse; and (7) a high rate of illiteracy. Thus, it is concluded from the findings that children in northern Nigeria are deprived of formal education. Thus, policy advocacy and engagement with religious and traditional leaders by the government of northern states would help in addressing the problems. Policy implications and subsequent recommendations were discussed.