Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has proposed the adoption of a “Marshall Plan” to gradually eliminate the Almajiri system in Northern Nigeria.
Gumi said the region has the potential to lead Nigeria’s education sector within the next 15 years if deliberate policies are implemented to reform the system.
He attributed this optimism to the presence of about 150 public and private universities across Northern Nigeria, noting that the institutions provide a strong foundation for educational transformation.
In a post on X, the cleric argued that with the right framework, the North has enough capacity to drive significant progress in education.
According to him, a Marshall Plan-style intervention should focus on phasing out the Almajiri system by introducing a curriculum that integrates moral instruction with modern education.
Gumi also stressed that peace and stability are critical for the success of such reforms.
“Northern Nigeria, with approximately 150 public (federal and state) and private universities, is expected to lead the educational sector of Nigerian society in the next fifteen years,” he said.
“What should be done is to implement a ‘Marshall Plan’ to phase out the Almajiri system, combining a curriculum that blends moral education with modernity. Therefore, we need peace.”
