Rhetoric and Reality: The Relationship Between Absolute Deprivation and Criminality Among Almajirai in Northern Nigeria

The Almajirai , students of traditional Quranic schools in Northern Nigeria, live apart from their families, relying on begging and minor work for survival. Often stigmatized in media and academic discourse, this study examines their severe deprivation and links to criminal behavior using mixed methodology with 800 participants. Findings reveal severe absolute deprivation in accessing basic needs, contributing to petty theft, poaching, fighting, and open defecation for survival, but substance abuse and sexual crimes are very rare. The study underscores the need for targeted policies to reduce deprivation and vulnerability among the Almajirai .