Abstract:
This study assessed the attitude of Mallams (Arabic teachers of out-of –school children) towards
integration of Almajiris (Out-of-school children in non-formal Arabic schools) into formal education
system in Katsina State, Nigeria. In this study, the researchers adopted descriptive survey research
design. Sixty-five (65) Mallams were purposively selected from twelve (12) Almajiris schools in Katsina
State. A researcher-designed questionnaires titled: ‘‘Attitude of Mallams towards Almajiris Education
Questionnaire (AMTAEQ)’’and ‘‘Motivational Strategies for Integration of Almajiris into Formal
Education System (MSIAFES)’’ with test-retest reliability coefficients of 0.91 and 0.89 respectively
were used to collect data for the study. Frequencies and percentages were used to analyze research
questions 1 to 3 while Chi-square statistical tool was used to analyze research questions 4 and 5 in the
study. Findings revealed that: The Mallam-Almajiris ratio is approximately 1: 26 and, many Mallams
(75.6%), are aware that the Federal Government has built formal Almajiris schools in Northern
Nigeria. Most Mallams (81.5%) indicated that Almajiris learn other skills apart from Arabic studies
like Trading, Carpentry and Tailoring. Moreover, there is significant influence in the attitude of
Mallams (Almajiris teachers), motivational strategies and successful integration of Almajiris into the
formal education system in Katsina State. Based on these findings, it is recommended that government
should provide adequate motivational strategies especially free education for successful integration of
the Almajiris into the formal education system in Katsina State. In addition, Orientation programmes
that will change the attitude of Mallams should be given so as to encourage Almajiris to go to formal
schools
