Recently, discourse on Nigeria's 'Almajiri' phenomenon has been within my focus.
From Calabar to Birnin Kebbi, Abeokuta to Pambegua, it is part of the nation's cultural fabric that some parents entrust their wards with relations or regarded personality in the community for upbringing. The ward whilst in this tutelage scenario amongst others derive essentials for lifelong living. Several individuals through this peculiar cultural arrangement are beneficiaries of 'Almajiri foster caring'.
To achieve this, government must provide platform for identifying fit-for-purpose fosterers who would be responsible for adopting children, numbers of which must be limited. Where needed, the government should provide financial support to the fosterers to complement their efforts. Fosterers must as well commit to enrolling the children in education that would transform their lives. I believe this is the wish of majority of the parents of children in 'Almajiri' configuration.
