By Khalid Idris Doya
Bauchi, Nigeria, May 8, 2026(Series News Online)- A newly formed Fulani group, the Association of Fulbe Scholars and Intellectuals, ASOFSI, has pledged to use education and religious enlightenment to address insecurity and underdevelopment in Fulani communities across the country.
The initiative was announced by the group’s leader, Dr. Fatihi Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, during the inaugural North-East meeting of Fulbe scholars and intellectuals held in Bauchi.
Dr. Fatihi said ASOFSI had been registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, and would focus on advancing Fulani cultural identity, learning, and socio-economic progress. “The association is committed to promoting the heritage, education and development of the Fulbe people through structured scholarly engagement,” he stated.
He explained that the body would examine the changing role of the Fulbe in education, politics and Islamic scholarship as part of efforts to tackle persistent challenges facing pastoral communities.
The lecturer at Federal University Kashere identified lack of formal education and resistance to modern practices as key issues affecting many Fulani herders. “Ignorance and limited exposure to modernisation remain major obstacles. Our priority is to educate the children of herders and instil Islamic values that will produce responsible leaders and reduce involvement in crime,” he said.
Under the programme, scholars of the association will visit Fulani settlements nationwide to conduct da’awah and awareness campaigns. “We will reach out to herders and their children wherever they are, to preach, educate and enlighten them against joining criminal groups,” Dr. Fatihi said.
He stressed that lasting solutions to the problems confronting Fulani communities must be anchored on education and public enlightenment. “Tackling the challenges requires a coordinated approach that highlights the dangers of criminality and promotes peaceful coexistence,” he noted.
Dr. Fatihi also urged herders to embrace modern livestock management methods to minimise conflicts with farmers. “Adopting modern cattle rearing practices will reduce the traditional roaming system that often leads to clashes with farming communities,” he advised.
He further argued that government interventions would have limited impact without adequate awareness among beneficiaries. “Interventions for herders cannot succeed unless they are accompanied by education and proper sensitisation,” he said.
Dr. Fatihi called on Fulani leaders to recommit to improving security and the welfare of their people.
Also speaking at the meeting, prominent Fulani leader Hon. Muhammad Aminu Tukur expressed concern over the persistent insecurity, ignorance and negative profiling affecting herders. “If these issues are not addressed decisively, they threaten the survival of livestock farming in Nigeria,” he warned.
Tukur assured that Fulani herders remained willing to support government efforts to restore peace. “We will continue to back initiatives aimed at tackling insecurity at all levels,” he said.
He urged pastoralists to be vigilant and cooperate with security agencies. “Herders should report any suspicious activities around their settlements to the authorities for immediate action,” he advised.
Scholars from the six North-East states who participated in the meeting pledged to work collectively to ensure the association achieves its objectives.
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