Against all odds: Ahmad Isa transforms from Almajiri to university graduate

Years ago, a young almajiri boy walked the streets of Dutse, Jigawa State, barefoot — searching for Qur’anic knowledge and a way to survive.

Today, that boy, Ahmad Isa from Gaya Local Government Area of Kano State, has graduated from university and completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

His journey has become a symbol of hope, compassion, and opportunity.

Ahmad arrived in Dutse as a child determined to learn. Like many almajiri children, life was tough. Instead of begging, he worked odd jobs and ran errands for families while attending Islamiyya classes before and after his chores.

His life changed when he met Mr. Alan Maiyaki, a Federal Government worker from Edo State posted to Dutse.

Impressed by Ahmad’s honesty, humility and desire to learn, Maiyaki decided to enroll him in primary school.

Maiyaki said the decision was influenced by his upbringing and experiences.

His mother’s 35-year career as a teacher shaped his belief in education, while his NYSC service and exposure to Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) projects strengthened his resolve to help children stay in school.

He recalled that after receiving an NYSC award in Niger State in 2006 and working as a facilitator in orientation camps, he committed himself to supporting Goal Two — universal primary education.

“Enrolling Ahmad in school was my own contribution. Today, he is a graduate,” he said.

With steady guidance, Ahmad successfully balanced Qur’anic learning and formal education.

He finished primary school, later graduated from Dutse Capital Secondary School with excellent results, and scored 217 in the JAMB exam on his first attempt.

In 2019, he gained admission to the Federal University Dutse to study Criminology and Security Studies and graduated with a Second Class Upper.

According to Ahmad, his mentor constantly reminded him that his background would not determine his future.

He has now completed his NYSC in Zaria, Kaduna State, receiving his certificate on December 18, 2025 — a proud milestone marking his journey from the streets to national service.

Ahmad’s mother, Halima Isa, expressed deep gratitude, saying he is the first graduate in the family.

She recalled that he lost his father at two and was sent away for Islamic studies.

“I never imagined he would get Western education.

“Today, I am the mother of a graduate,” she said.

His Islamic teacher, Malam Hassan Yalwawa, who began teaching him at age five, said Ahmad’s story shows that almajiri children can succeed academically when they get the right support.

Beyond academics, Ahmad learned tailoring during school and now runs a tailoring shop in Dutse, training five apprentices.

For many observers, Ahmad’s story is not only about escaping poverty — it is about the friendship and unity between a Kano-born almajiri and an Edo-born civil servant, driven by kindness and belief in a better Nigeria.