By Muhammed Akindele
Under the unforgiving gaze of the afternoon sun, Danfodiyo University witnesses a unique hustle that unfolds daily. Musa Dahiru,10, from Gidan Fati—a village nestled within the university grounds, embodies the spirit of determination as he navigates his way through a bustling campus, undertaking various chores for students in exchange for money.
Musa’s story provides a glimpse into the lives of many young ‘yaro’ boys like him—weaving their way through challenges and opportunities to feed themselves within the university community.
Residing in Gidan Fati for two years, Musa sets out of his house early in the morning daily, returning home late in the evening with the small amount of money earned through his endeavor.
“I’ve been going inside school since I was 8 years old, and now I’m 10. I followed some of my friends here because we were looking for money together. I always come secretly without my parents knowing early in the morning to the school campus for my village late at night.”
Speaking, Musa, acknowledged that he’s underfed by his parents, which has driven him to hustle for money at the school hostel.
He expressed, “I do all this for money. It’s not that they don’t give me food at home. They give me food, but the portions are inadequate. I need money as well, which is my reason for coming here to do many chores for both the students and the people in the mini-mart. Since I don’t go to school, this is how I manage but I attend Arabic school some specific time of the day.”
“ I Give Part of the Money I Earn to My Parents”––– Yaro Boy
Speaking with The News Digest Press, Sumaila Dahiru, 11, who resides at Gidan Yari, another village within the University revealed his daily hustle to support his family.
Sumaila mentioned that he dedicates a portion of his earnings to his parents, ensuring that there is food on their table every day.
He stated, “My parents understand that I work here to contribute to our household. I give them a share of my earnings to help with our daily meals.”
Why ‘Yaro’ Boys Lack Parental Care
In an interview with Mallam Umar, an esteemed Arabic tutor and one of the elders in Shama Village, a neighboring area within the University community, he shed light on why these young children lack parental care.
Umar highlighted that many of these children, known as “Yaros,” hail from various states such as Kano, Zamfara, and Borno, brought here primarily to pursue Islamic education.
His words: “Some of these children are not native to this state. They have been brought from places like Zamfara, Kano, and Borno, among others, to seek knowledge in Islamic studies.”