Alarming Statistics Reveal Nigeria’s Dangerous Crisis in Parenting and Child Education.
Alarming Statistics Reveal Nigeria’s Dangerous Crisis in Parenting and Child Education
Boko Haram, Insurgency, Kidnapping, Bandit Results of Poor Parenting – Imam Aliagan, Founder of ASHRAAF Foundation
The 7th Annual Maolidu Nnabiy lecture series 2024 (1446AH) of Ashraaf Islamic Foundation tackled a critical issue affecting households across Nigeria – the plights of orphans and vulnerable children was brought in focus.
According to the Founder of Ashraaf Islamic Foundation, imam (Dr) Sharafudeen Abdulsalam Aliagan stated that, “Thorough research by the foundation, Nigeria is facing a staggering education and child welfare crisis: 10.2 million children are out of primary school, 8.1 million are out of junior secondary school, 17.5 million children have been orphaned, 19 million children are displaced in the North-east region and 3,500 children are serving as child-soldiers in the North-east and other conflict zones.
He added that, “Boko Haram insurgency, pocket picking in the society, abduction, homo-sexuality and other vices that we have that is giving us barbaric and a kind of imbalance condition of environment are as a result of poor parenting,”
“Parenting and Child Education in Nigeria: Appraising the Plights of Orphans and Vulnerable Children” was the theme chosen for this year’s lecture series, highlighting the urgent need to address these alarming trends.
“We concern ourselves to serving humanity because the mandate of Rasul Allah is universal. It is not to a single man, Rasul was sent to the entire universe,” explained Dr. Abdullahi Adam, Director of Programs at Ashraaf Islamic Foundation.
The event featured keynote speeches and panel discussions with experts from various backgrounds, including human rights, religious organizations, and government agencies. They emphasized that proper parenting and a comprehensive approach to child education – encompassing religious, western, and traditional elements – are crucial to building a better future for Nigeria’s youth.
The experts called for a renewed focus on strengthening family structures, providing support for orphans and vulnerable children, and ensuring access to quality education for all. They stressed that the future of Nigeria depends on addressing this pressing crisis in parenting and child welfare.