Author(s):
Prof. Abdullahi A.G , abdullahinyasse@gmail.com, +2348035021942
Toki Olushola Tajudeen, tokitajudeenolushola@gmail.com, +2348039536981
Prof. Sulaiman Shehu Adua, , +2348039112665
Abstract:
Marginalization of the children in Nigeria with particular reference to their inalienable rights has been one of the most serious threats to representative and responsible governance in Nigeria. The problem has taken different dimensions especially since May 1999 when the nation returned to democratic rule. Radical group especially the Boko Haram brain washed children and young men to perpetrate violence. Ignorance of Islamic teachings in the area of study makes children more susceptible and inclined to recruitment into hoodlums and thuggery. Children with difficult upbringings are more vulnerable to extremist views. The growing number of children without adequate parental guidance is a societal condition that has contributed to the problem of youth radicalization in Northern Nigeria. Children who lack a protective social environment are more likely to be exploited. Across the states in Nigeria, especially in the north, millions of school-age children are not enrolled the school, exacerbating illiteracy levels in the country and vulnerably to manipulation by extremist groups. Widespread poverty in northern Nigeria has contributed to a growing population of destitute children. The children’s alienation from home and society provides the cognitive opening that extremist ideologues exploit in the process of recruitment and radicalization. It is against this backdrop that the study employs crical approach to assess the scenario. The paper examines Islamic theocracy and child development in Ilorin: Challenges and prospects. That is, application of Islamic theocracy in child development could serve as panacea in halting hoodlums and thuggery. The paper concludes that, the ideals of child rights constitute one of the fundamental values of Islamic human rights. Recommendation includes Qur’anic school teachers should be oriented towards the need for Islamic upbringing of the children as part of integration Strategy.
IWF