ROLES OF ALMS TAX FUND IN ENHANCING ALMAJIRI SYSTEM OF EDUCATION IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

Abstract

The dilemma in Almajiri system of education has become a real concern in the Northern part of Nigeria. This paper examined the role of Alms tax known as zakat fund towards alleviating the financial and social menace of the Almajiri system of education. It discusses the beneficiaries, distribution and implementation of zakat through documentation method and content analysis. This study referenced revered documents such as the Quran, Hadith and other scholarly documentations. The paper concluded that government should enforce the provisions of zakat distribution to allow the Almajiri schools access the zakat fund as remedy to the over dependence of the teachers and students on charity/Sadakat. As the system involves teaching and learning Quran and Arabic, the paper suggests possible solutions to move out of its current difficult situation so that it can contribute to meaningful learning process. Government should provide a well-structured framework with guidelines and policies for the system to work effectively.