Former President Goodluck Jonathan has reiterated his administration’s focus on non-kinetic strategies to combat terrorism, emphasizing the role of Almajiri schools in empowering northern Nigerian youth. Speaking in Abuja, Jonathan highlighted the establishment of these schools as a means to deny extremist groups access to potential recruits while providing vocational training.
The former leader stated that his government created Almajiri schools to address both educational and security challenges. He noted that these institutions offer skills beyond religious instruction, aiming to equip young people with practical knowledge. This aligns with broader efforts to reduce youth unemployment, a factor often linked to radicalization.
Jonathan’s remarks came during a public event where he endorsed a retired police chief’s advocacy for non-kinetic approaches to counter-terrorism. The strategy emphasizes community engagement, economic development, and education over military force. This approach has gained traction among security experts as a long-term solution to insurgency.
The Almajiri schools initiative, launched in the early 2010s, has faced challenges including funding and oversight. Despite these, Jonathan remains a vocal proponent, arguing that investing in youth education is essential for national stability. His comments reflect ongoing debates about the role of education in conflict prevention.
The non-kinetic strategy has also been supported by business leaders like Aliko Dangote, who has called for job creation and economic reforms to address insecurity. Together, these efforts signal a shift toward holistic approaches to national security.
