Exploring the Almajiri System as a Recruitment Base for the Boko Haram Terrorist Group in Northern Nigeria.

The article focuses on the Almajiri system in Northern Nigeria as a recruitment base for the Boko Haram terrorist group. Originating as a traditional Islamic educational system, the Almajiri system has deteriorated over time, resulting in millions of out-of-school children who are socioeconomically vulnerable. The study finds a strong ideological and operational nexus between the Almajiri system and Boko Haram, with the latter exploiting the former's disdain for Western education to recruit foot soldiers. This relationship exacerbates insecurity and hinders Nigeria's sustainable development by fueling terrorism, increasing illiteracy, and diverting resources from development to counterterrorism efforts. The article recommends comprehensive reforms or eradication of the Almajiri system, integration of Islamic and Western education, compulsory schooling laws, poverty reduction, and strengthened security measures to address the root causes of insurgency and promote national development.