ERIC Number: EJ1168246
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018-Feb
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0020-8566
EISSN: N/A
"Almajiri" Education: Policy and Practice to Meet the Learning Needs of the Nomadic Population in Nigeria
Olaniran, Sunday Olawale
International Review of Education, v64 n1 p111-126 Feb 2018
This article explores the provision of education opportunities to a disadvantaged group in Nigeria known as "Almajiris." The word "Almajiri" derives from the Arabic word "Almuhajirun," meaning emigrant. The nomadic pastoralists of northern Nigeria constitute a major socio-economic group. According to a recent report released by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), "Almajiris" own more than 90 per cent of Nigeria's estimated 15.3 million heads of cattle. Beef from their herds constitutes over 45 per cent of the animal protein consumed by Nigerians. However, despite the "Almajiris'" immense contributions to the economy of Nigeria, these nomads are highly disadvantaged in terms of access to education. To respond to the educational needs of this group, the Nigerian government established the National Commission for Nomadic Education (NCNE) in 1989 to coordinate programmes aimed at improving the lives and livelihood of the "Almajiris." This article examines the strategies employed by the NCNE towards making education accessible to nomads. It also highlights some of the challenges facing the "Almajiris," and suggests remedies to prioritise education for this and other disadvantaged groups.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Migrants, Educational Needs, Educationally Disadvantaged, Access to Education, Educational Policy, Educational Practices, Inclusion, Agricultural Occupations
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Nigeria
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A