ANALYSIS OF RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CONTEMPORARY ALMAJIRI SYSTEM OF EDUCATION AND INVOLVEMENT OF ALMAJIRI PUPIL IN SOCIAL VICES: A CASE STUDY OF KATAGUM LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BAUCHI STATE NIGERIA

ABSTRACT The contemporary Almajiri system of education has continued to generate debate in Nigeria due to its social, cultural, and developmental implications. This study analyzes the relationship between the Almajiri system of education and the involvement of Almajiri pupils in social vices in Katagum Local Government Area, Bauchi State. The study was anchored on employs Ted Gurr’s relative deprivation theory to provide a framework for understanding the link between informal educational structures and social behavior. A descriptive survey design was adopted, with a sample size of 400 respondents selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Findings reveal that while the Almajiri system provides religious knowledge and moral grounding, the lack of integration with formal education, poor welfare conditions, and neglect from both government and guardians expose pupils to begging, street hawking, drug abuse, petty theft, and other anti-social activities. The study concludes that the persistence of these challenges undermines the socio-economic development of both the pupils and the wider community. It recommends a holistic reform of the Almajiri system through government intervention, community participation, and integration of vocational and formal education to reduce vulnerability to social vices and promote positive youth development. Keywords:Almajiri system of education, Social vices, Contemporary Almajiri pupils, Informal education, Street begging.