As Nigeria celebrates Children’s Day, the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) is speaking out for millions of children who are suffering every day. Many of these children are part of the Almajiri system and are forced to beg on the streets instead of getting an education.
In a statement shared with the media on Tuesday, CHRICED urged the government to make big and urgent changes. The statement was signed by Furera Isiaka, the group’s Program Communications Officer.
CHRICED said that children in Northern Nigeria are often ignored and forgotten. They described the situation as a national emergency that needs immediate action.
“Children are not to blame,” the organization said. “They are suffering because of bad government decisions, weak law enforcement, and a society that has turned its back on them.”
They added that this year’s Children’s Day should not just be about empty words. Instead, it should mark the beginning of strong and lasting changes that truly help children.
CHRICED also spoke about how the Almajiri system has changed for the worse. It used to be focused on religious education, but now many Almajiri children are facing abuse and suffering.
Some children, as young as three years old, are forced to beg, sell items, or do hard jobs just to survive. Many of them face abuse, trafficking, and terrible living conditions.
To fix this, CHRICED is calling for a complete reform of the Almajiri system. They want formal school education and vocational training to be included.
They also said that rules for informal learning centres must be strictly followed to keep children safe and ensure they get the care and education they deserve.
