Arabic and Islamic Education in Nigeria: The Case of Al-Majiri Schools

Authors: Abdul Ganiy A. S. Oladosu

Abstract:

The AL-MAJIRI school system is a variant of private Arabic and Islamic schools which cater for the religious and moral development of Muslims. In the past, the system produced clerics, scholars, judges, religious reformers, eminent teachers and great men who are worthy of emulation, particularly in northern Nigeria. Gradually, the system lost its glory but continued to discharge its educational responsibilities to a certain extent. This paper takes a look at the activities of the AL-MAJIRI schools. The introduction provides background information about Nigeria where the schools operate. This is followed by an overview of the Nigerian educational system, the nature and the features of the AL-MAJIRI school system, its weaknesses and the current challenges facing the schools. The paper concludes with emphasis on the urgent need for a comprehensive reform of the curriculum content of the schools. The step by step procedure required for the reform is discussed.

Keywords: AL-MAJIRI, Arabic and Islamic schools, Nigeria.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI): doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1060106

References:

[1] Federal Republic of Nigeria (1989). National Policy on Education (Revised) Lagos: Nigerian Educational and Research Development Council (NERDC).
[2] Taiwo, C.O. (1986). The Nigerian Education System: Past Present and Future. Lagos: Thomas Nelson (Nigeria).
[3] Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (1985). National Curriculum for Junior Secondary Schools, Vol. 5 Ibadan. Heinemann Educational Books (Nig.) Ltd.
[4] Compass Newspaper, Education for Amajiris. Thursday, 29 March, 2012.
[5] Wheeler, D. (1967). Curriculum Process. London: Hodder and Stoughton.
[6] Kerr, J. (1968). Changing the Curriculum. London: University of London Press.
[7] Onwuka, U. (1981). Curriculum development for Africa. Onisha: Africana Publishers Ltd.
[8] Farrant, J.S. (1982). Principles and Practice of Education. Longman: Longman Group Ltd.
[9] Doi, A.R.I. (1969). Bamidele Movement. Orita, Ibadan. Journal of Religious Studies (1969) pp. 101-118.
[10] Abubakre, R .D. (1984). The Future of Arabic learning in Yoruba land. Ilorin Journal of Education (1984) 4, pp 57-70.