Assessing the attitude of Mallams towards integration of Almajiris into formal education system in Katsina State, Nigeria

This study assessed the attitude of Mallams (Arabic teachers of out-of –school children) towards integration of Almajiris (Out-of-school children in non-formal Arabic schools) into formal education system in Katsina State, Nigeria. In this study, the researchers adopted descriptive survey research design. Sixty-five (65) Mallams were purposively selected from twelve (12) Almajiris schools in Katsina State. A researcher-designed questionnaires titled: ‘‘Attitude of Mallams towards Almajiris Education Questionnaire (AMTAEQ)’’and ‘‘Motivational Strategies for Integration of Almajiris into Formal Education System (MSIAFES)’’ with test-retest reliability coefficients of 0.91 and 0.89 respectively were used to collect data for the study. Frequencies and percentages were used to analyze research questions 1 to 3 while Chi-square statistical tool was used to analyze research questions 4 and 5 in the study. Findings revealed that: The Mallam-Almajiris ratio is approximately 1: 26 and, many Mallams (75.6%), are aware that the Federal Government has built formal Almajiris schools in Northern Nigeria. Most Mallams (81.5%) indicated that Almajiris learn other skills apart from Arabic studies like Trading, Carpentry and Tailoring. Moreover, there is significant influence in the attitude of Mallams (Almajiris teachers), motivational strategies and successful integration of Almajiris into the formal education system in Katsina State. Based on these findings, it is recommended that government should provide adequate motivational strategies especially free education for successful integration of the Almajiris into the formal education system in Katsina State. In addition, Orientation programmes that will change the attitude of Mallams should be given so as to encourage Almajiris to go to formal schools.