Kaduna: Prof. Andrew Haruna, Secretary-General of the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU), has urged Northern leaders to swiftly take action to remove Almajiri children from the streets as a measure to curb growing insecurity in the region. Haruna emphasized the urgent need for this reform during the Arewa Awareness Summit on Unity Against Insecurity, organized by the Arewa Cohesion for Peace, Unity and Development Initiative (ACI).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Haruna presented a paper titled ‘Youth Empowerment as a Strategy for Preventing Violence, Extremism and Insecurity in Northern Nigeria’, where he stressed that ignoring the Almajiri issue could further exacerbate insecurity challenges. He pointed out that the Northern region possesses the necessary human and material resources to address this challenge but lacks the political will to do so.
Haruna highlighted the risks of leaving millions of children without education, care, or opportunities, noting it poses a serious threat to the region’s future. He implored Northern leaders to take responsibility for these children instead of attributing blame elsewhere. Haruna’s observations from Southern Nigeria, where he did not observe Almajiri children on the streets, illustrated a stark difference and underscored the neglect and poor leadership in the North.
He further criticized the societal imbalance, where opulent homes are built while millions of children live without basic needs. Haruna warned that poverty and social exclusion make youths susceptible to recruitment by violent and criminal organizations. Sharing his personal experience of relocating from Borno due to Boko Haram, he emphasized the lasting impact of violence on children who grow up in such environments.
The professor recounted an incident in Keffi where an unemployed youth confronted a wealthy individual over excessive spending, reflecting the frustration among young people. He attributed the region’s challenges to poor governance, inadequate educational facilities, and insufficient investment in human capital, noting that many involved in criminal activities were once deprived children.
Haruna criticized political leaders for not prioritizing education, youth development, and moral leadership, asserting that military solutions alone cannot resolve insecurity. He expressed concern over both Christian and Muslim leaders’ diminishing moral authority due to persistent divisions, which hinder addressing corruption and social decay.
He called for collaboration among traditional rulers, religious leaders, governments, and communities to rebuild trust, promote education, and create economic opportunities for youths. Citing the late Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio, Haruna reminded leaders that public office is a sacred trust, urging them to invest in education and responsible leadership to secure the region’s future.
Haruna concluded by appealing to Northern leaders to recognize past mistakes and take deliberate actions for youth empowerment and regional stability, reminding them that history will judge their current actions.