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.
According to 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.
“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.
Participants at Ashraaf Islamic Foundation Maolidu Nnabiy 1446AH eqv. 2024 in Abuja.
“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,” warned Imam (Dr) Sharafudeen Abdulsalam Aliagan, the Chairman and Founder of Ashraaf Islamic Foundation.
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.