An Assessment of the Psychosocial Effects of Almajiri system on Child’s Development in Gwange Ward Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract

Children are known to be the source of joy in every family especially when the parents can afford their basic needs. Children in the northern part of Nigeria are prone to deprivation through almajiri system of education mainly due to respect for misunderstood religious concept and culture among other causes. This study of psycho-social effects of almajiri system on child's development was conducted in Gwange ward, Maiduguri, is aimed at identifying the psychological effects of almajiri system on child's development as well as the social effects of almajiri system on child's development. A descriptive design was used for the study. Data was obtained from respondents (almajiris) using structured questionnaire. The data was presented and analysed using descriptive statistics. Hypotheses were formulated and tested using Chi-square. The findings of this study revealed that the almajiris are affected both psychologically and socially due to lack of adequate care, loneliness, feeling of anger, lack of proper feeding and security, exposure to dangers and negligence by the society. Based on these findings, community health workers, psychologists, sociologists and government should be in the fore front of taking care of the almajiri system. Recommendations were made to families, communities, government and Non Governmental Organisation's on ways of improving the system and incorporating it with western education.