An Investigation Into The Media Representation of the Almajiri System In Bauchi State, Nigeria

Batare, Andrew

Abstract

The focus of this research, “An Investigation Into The Media Representation of the Almajiri
System In Bauchi State, Nigeria”, is to explore how media organisations represent the
conflictual relationship between the Almajiri system and Bauchi society. The primary objective
is to investigate the relationship between the Almajiri system and the mass media. The thesis
focuses on Bauchi, a region that has had notable security challenges, including religious and
ethnic conflicts, as well as political instability, for a considerable period. Consequently, these
security issues have greatly hindered Bauchi’s advancement in terms of social and economic
growth. The Almajiri system in northern Nigeria is widely perceived as a breeding ground for
potential criminals and is considered partially responsible for the current state of instability in
Bauchi. However, this study has identified two issues regarding the representation of the
Almajiri by mass media. First, the thesis offered a more comprehensive insight into how
newspapers’ perspectives on Almajiri representation is deeply problematic. Second, the thesis
highlights a system where lack of education and economic opportunity faced by the Almajirai
is profoundly concerning. This study proposes that newspapers can address these issues by,
first, altering their perspectives on Almajiri representation, and second, that the local radio (the
Bauchi Radio Corporation) offers hope for a media facilitated advocacy to alter the existing
mindset of the proponents of Almajiranci. Overall, this thesis suggests that Advocacy
Journalism has the potential for the amelioration of the representation of the Almajiri and could
act as a means through which a more positive future might be built on Almajiri and mass media
relationship.

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Sep 13, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 27, 2024
• Award Date: Sep 26, 2024