SITUATIONS OF THE AL-MAJIRI SYSTEM OF EDUCATION IN CONTEMPORARY NIGERIA: MATTERS ARISING

Like any other traditional system of education in other parts of the Muslim world, the al-Majiri system in Nigeria used to be a decent and reputable scheme that produced eminent scholars and policy makers. It mustered support and solidarity from all stakeholders and propelled the nation to enviable status in literacy, social, diplomatic and economic spheres, to mention a few. Its prominence however took a nosedive with the arrival of the British who hijacked the administrative power in the land and relegated all religious and traditional structures to the background. The upshot of this scenario paved the way for all forms of adulteration being smeared on the system today, which denigrates the whole structure. Numerous social vices are being linked to the managers and pupils of the scheme, which inevitably provoked calls for its abolition from some quarters. This paper holistically examines the scheme and scrutinises its operability, viability and sustainability for today‟s world. Besides being historical and analytical in its disposition, the paper exploits the philosophical method in proffering practicable suggestions on how the scheme could be properly managed and integrated into the modern system of education to realise its objectives.