Exploring Youth Radicalisation within the Almajiri System in Northern Nigeria

Boko Haram’s emergence in Northern Nigeria is closely tied to systemic vulnerabilities within the Almajiri system, a traditional Islamic educational framework mainly for boys.[1] Founded by Mohammed Yusuf, an Almajiri graduate himself, the terror group exploited socio-cultural fractures, leveraging identity-based grievances, economic deprivation, and governance failures to recruit marginalised Almajirai. While the Almajiri system itself does not inherently radicalise individuals, it produces a large, unemployed youth demographic with a strong collective identity, creating fertile ground for extremist exploitation.[2] Addressing systemic marginalisation and poverty within Nigeria's Almajiri educational system is crucial for preventing youth radicalisation, requiring integrated reforms across education, governance, and community engagement spheres.

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