A PhD journey: Case of Almajiranci in Northern Nigeria

My research has been a complex study of the Almajiranci system of northern Nigeria, challenging its portrayal and subsequent vilification in the mainstream, the journey towards achieving this has been just as complex, consisting of challenges of a personal nature.

The doctoral journey requires a different kind of toolkit – both mental and otherwise, one which comprises of a good support network and a healthy dose of serendipity. My journey into researching Almajiranci knowledge and identity rather than being just about the former Almajirai of northern Nigeria, has actually been a journey of discovery of my own personal knowledge and identity. An identity as a northern Nigerian Muslim woman researching a Muslim cultural and educational phenomenon, and a knowledge heritage which has been affected by the coloniality of power especially as it relates to epistemic prejudices.

What the men of my study showed was a creativity and resilience in the face of various adversities, characteristics which I also have had to add to my PhD toolkit for use in confronting challenges of an existential nature.

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