- From Barefoot Almajiri To Graduate How Kindness Transformed Ahmad Isa’s Life
- Edo born civil servant sponsored his education from primary school
- Story highlights unity and power of compassion across ethnic lines
A rare story of cross tribal compassion is challenging long held narratives about division in Nigeria, as Ahmad Isa, a former almajiri boy from Kano State, has graduated from the Federal University Dutse in Jigawa State with a Second Class Upper degree in Criminology and Security Studies.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Isa, a native of Gaya Local Government Area of Kano State, shared how his journey from the streets to the university classroom was made possible through the support of an Edo State born civil servant, Alan Maiyaki.
According to Isa, he arrived in Dutse years ago as a young almajiri seeking Qur’anic education. With no support system, he survived by running errands and working in homes around his neighbourhood rather than begging for food.
“I was once a barefooted almajiri boy roaming the streets of Dutse in search of Qur’anic knowledge. Today, I am a university graduate serving my country,” Isa said.
He explained that his life changed after meeting Maiyaki, who had just been transferred to Dutse from Benin City. Maiyaki enrolled him in public primary and secondary schools, sponsored his Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board examination, secured his admission into Federal University Dutse and paid his fees until graduation.
Isa said his benefactor encouraged him to remain focused, assuring him that education would open doors for his future.
He also disclosed that he learned tailoring while schooling and now owns a tailoring shop in Dutse, where five apprentices are currently undergoing training.
Maiyaki, speaking on the intervention, said he was moved by Isa’s humility and determination. He explained that his decision was inspired by his parents, especially his mother, a public school teacher for 35 years, as well as his experience as a National Youth Service Corps volunteer on Millennium Development Goals advocacy.
“I wanted to contribute to achieving universal primary education in my own way. Enrolling Ahmad in school was my response,” Maiyaki said.
Isa’s mother, Halima, described the achievement as unbelievable, noting that her son lost his father at a young age and none of his siblings had attended school.
Islamic teacher Malam Hassan Yalawawa said Isa’s success proves that almajiri children can become future graduates when given opportunity and support.
