Two new academic studies have found that weak supervision and unregulated funding in Nigeria’s madrasas and Almajiri schools are exposing young learners to extremist influences.
The findings were presented in Abuja at a national briefing organised by the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding, in partnership with the Danish Refugee Council and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, under the EU-backed Research and Action for Peace Project.
One study, led by Dr Busari Dauda of the University of Ibadan and Dr Remi Kabali of Fountain University, examined madrasas in Oyo, Osun, and Lagos States. It found that while formal teachings avoid extremist ideas, informal lessons and sectarian narratives can shape students’ worldviews. “Government should collaborate with madrasa proprietors to integrate peace education into their culture,” Dauda said.
Another study, by Dr Saheed Owonikoko of Modibbo Adama University, highlighted how the Almajiri system in Abuja, Kano, and Borno States leaves children vulnerable to radicalisation. It also cited untraceable foreign funding from Middle Eastern charities as a concern.
Some academics, including Dr Aminu Haiyatu of Bayero University, warned against broad conclusions, insisting that not all madrasas foster extremism. The briefing ended with calls for more precise classification of Islamic education systems and stronger evidence-based regulation.