…Islamiyya schools’ free days are Thursday and Fridays in Nigeria, it’s Wednesday and Thursdays in Fuuta Jaloo…
Periscope Global Friday Focus On Pastoralism
Islam is synonymous with knowledge, which is the very foundation of the religion as an end in itself right from the revelation.
Similarly, Fulɓe are synonymous with knowledge, hence the tribe has for the most part, take Islam as a professed religion, learned, practiced and propagate; whether in Nigeria or Fuuta Jaloo, the Islamic jihad was championed by the Fulbe.
Questions frequently asked are why the champions of the faith, the foundation of leadership, should have from among them the most uninformed joining to instigate unrest?
Consideration ought to be given to what could have been the reason. The pastoralists are exploited and oppressed, neglected and abandoned, cheated also with impunity, especially in Nigeria, either before the law or in the hospitals or market places. Where used to be grazing reserves and cattle route have been taken over by farming activities, hence the conflict as some scholars are agreed to the cause.
What would have brought to an end to this would have been the search of knowledge; education. However, the Nomadic Education packaged by the former minister of Education, Prof Jibril Aminu some decades ago was and is frustrated, yet the Fulbe are still shouldered the blame as stakeholders to insecurity.
There are a number of pastoralists or Fulbe organisations in Nigeria that stand to address such challenges. However, the most remarkable of recent that has maintained the lead, is the Fulɓe Development and Cultural Organization (FUDECO)
Established in 2017, FUDECO an international non governmental organization, NGO, working in the area of development, humanitarian aid and a participatory action research network focusing on pastoralists, pastoral and pastoralism. It is duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Nigeria where the largest population of the Fulbe are found.
FUDECO is mainly humanitarian, development and participatory research network focused on empowering pastoralists, preventing and managing communal conflicts; Working with the target group to promote and protect their rights to equal citizenship and participation in decision-making; supporting them to have access to facilities and infrastructure such as water, health and veterinary services; promoting education, literacy, numeracy, information, advice and guidance, in addition to contributing to the protection of the environment and reducing the impact of climate change.
The FUDECO struggles will be an x-ray for another day. This edition, to be the first in the series, takes us to the “Imamate of Futa Jallon or Jalon; Pular: Fuuta Jaloo or Fuuta Jalon was a West African Islamic State based in the Fouta Djallon highlands of modern Guinea. The state was founded in 1725 by a Fulani jihad and became part of French West Africa in 1896
“Amadou Hampâté Bâ has called Fuuta-Jaloo “the Tibet of West Africa” in homage to the spiritual and mystic (Sufi) tradition of its clerics.
“Amadou Hampâté Bâ (Fula: romanized: Ahmadu Hampaate Baa, 1900/1901 – 15 May 1991) was a Malian writer, historian and ethnologist, an influential figure in twentieth-century African literature and cultural heritage, a champion of Africa’s oral tradition and traditional knowledge and is remembered for the saying: “whenever an old man dies, it is as though a library were burning down.”
Dr Abu Bakarr Jallo has articulated, however in brief, a fascinating piece he titled “Exploring Fuuta Jaloo’s Educational Structure” we find obligated to render. Kindly enjoy reading it:
The educational system in Fuuta Jaloo is a rich and culturally significant framework that has been developed over the years. It encompasses three distinct levels, each contributing to the holistic development of students.
Elementary Level (Ba, Sigi, and Finduturu)
The journey through education in Fuuta Jaloo begins with the Elementary Level, which is further divided into three stages. The first stage, known as “Ba,” focuses on introducing students to the Arabic alphabets in the Pulaar language. As they progress, students learn the staggered alphabets selected Surahs from the Quran, typically ranging from Fatiha to Al’Alag.
Following the Ba stage, students move on to the “Sigi” phase, where they delve into spelling and sentence structure.
The final stage of the elementary level is “Finduturu,” where students hone their reading and writing skills. At this point, they can read fluently and write with minimal assistance from their teachers, also known as “karamokos.”
The school day is divided into three segments – after dawn, mid-day, and Maghreb prayers, with Wednesday and Thursday serving as weekends.
Secondary Level (Quran and Theological Studies)
Upon completion of the elementary level, students transition to the Secondary Level. Here, the focus shifts from writing lessons on wooden boards to intensive Quranic study and theological exploration. Alongside the Quran, students are introduced to various theological books, enriching their understanding of their faith. In some cases, students study the Quran both forwards and backwards before embarking on its translation.
Progression from one level to another is marked by a graduation ceremony known as “saahagol.” The most elaborate graduation ceremony is held upon the completion of the Quran, akin to earning a Bachelor’s degree in contemporary terms.
Superior Level is reserved for research and Specialized Learning.
Upon completing their studies, students are conferred with titles, such as “Alpha,” or “Chernor.”
These titles not only represent their educational achievements but also grant them the authority to become teachers in their own right. The educational system in Fuuta Jaloo stands as a testament to its cultural heritage, providing a structured path for learners to develop their knowledge and spiritual growth while fostering a sense of community and continuity.