Following WikkiTimes’ investigation that unraveled how Tsangaya school teachers exploit and dehumanise Almajiri pupils in Bauchi, the wife of the state governor, Aisha Bala Abdulkadir, in partnership with the Islamic Center for Peace Building Research and Development, organised a two-day capacity building workshop for Tsangaya and Islamiyya teachers.
The investigation documented how Tsangaya teachers in Zaki, Misau, and Dambam local government areas subject their pupils to hard labour on farms around their neighborhoods.
Similarly, our findings revealed during the rainy season, the teachers sent the Almajiris to other locations for seasonal labour and collected the proceeds that the pupils made. In addition, Tsangaya teachers demand weekly dues from the pupils who get punished for failure to remit the stipulated amount.
Also, the report further uncovered an uncontrolled spate of bullying among Almajiris where seniors exploit their juniors and deny them food and other belongings. Besides, wives and other relatives of the Tsangaya teachers beat and subjected the children to untold punishment for no-commission offenses.
WikkiTimes learned that these trends continue to reoccur due to the non-implementation of a state law that regulates the movement of Tsangya Teachers and their pupils in Bauchi.
Speaking, the governor’s wife, Aisha Bala Abdulkadir, said the essence of the workshop is to bring relevant stakeholders together to brainstorm solutions to the myriad challenges prevalent in Tsangaya and Islamiyya schools.
She said there is an impending need to review the system of running the schools to make them competitive and effective in achieving the mandate for which they are founded.
Aisha frowned at the attitude of some parents who only send their children to Tsangaya schools without making any provision for their feeding, welfare, and safety, leaving the pupils with no option but to beg for survival.
“A situation whereby a father will take 10 to 20 children to Tsangaya schools without provisions for feeding, accommodation, and other needs must be stopped.
“As Tsangaya teachers, you should not allow yourself to be used as dumping grounds by parents who are shy of their parental responsibilities. Compel them to their parts while you do yours,” she said.
The governor’s wife also warned Tsangya teachers to avoid admitting pupils beyond what they know they can cater and provide accommodation.
