About us

Welcome to LAYLAH’S WAY

It is with great pleasure and delight that I welcome you to Laylah’s Way, an initiative on the mission to empower underprivileged boys and girls through relevant education, skills development, innovative healthcare and focused livelihood programs.
This we have done over the past years and have recorded significant impact through various activities that have been beneficial to many women and young girls.
As founder and visioner, inspite of the many challenges we are faced with as a not-for-profit organisation, the vision still remains clear in sight and we continuously do our best to make sure these underprivileged women are empowered, upskilled and uplifted.
I welcome you on this journey and look forward to your continued support and contribution to this noble cause.



Dr. Laylah Ali Othman

Founder, Laylah’s Way

About
01

Why we do what we do

At LAYLAH’S WAY, we do what we do because we are driven by a commitment to meaningful impact, community empowerment, and the preservation of human dignity. Our focus on sustainable solutions, advocacy for justice, and collaborative spirit stems from a genuine empathy and compassion for others. Through transformative education and a belief in resilience, we work with the hope of creating a better future for all.

02

Our Mission

To provide people affected by human and natural crises in the Horn of Nigeria with emergency relief, educational programs, clean water and food security, health care, protection for children and orphans, sustainable socio-economic programs, and to promote peace-building and effective governance, while integrating our values of respect, impartiality, quality, accountability, advocacy and innovation in all our work. .

03

Our Vision

LAYLAH’S WAY In our quest for a brighter future, we passionately envision a day when the Horn of Nigeria stands resilient, free from the shackles of poverty, and where every individual's dignity is not only recognized but fiercely protected, particularly in the face of human and natural crises.We see a future where education is not only accessible but transformative, empowering individuals to break the chains of limitations.

Background

Laylah's Way is a non-profit organization birthed by L&N group of companies which was established to execute its Corporate Social Responsibilities of reaching out to those amongst us who do not have the privilege and resources at a better life. L&N group of companies is run by Laylah Ali Othman. As a subsidiary of Superb L&N Interior and Exterior Décor Ltd, Laylah's Way began as a reality TV show which focused on reaching out to the less privileged who lived in deplorable conditions. The project involved improving their living condition by giving their homes a total make over by renovation and furnishing. There by creating a more habitable environment for the families, empowering the women and giving scholarships to their children. The beneficiaries of Laylah's way were selected at random after visiting their homes and analysing the situation they were in. This initiative was aimed at creating a more productive environment for the families to thrive better. This medium was also used to showcase the beauty of interior décor with various projects spread all across the country. Over the years, Laylah's Way has served as a mother project which has birthed various subsidiaries. This is to enable it reach out to more individuals here by meeting their most urgent and pressing needs. Some of the other projects are as follows :

History

LIBGC - Laylah's Initiative for the Boy and Girl Child Charity Foundation This arm gives attention to the educational need of a special group of children in need - 'Almajiri' and other under privileged children. Under this platform, an Almajiri school was established and situated in Masaka area of Nasarawa State of which caters to the educational and physical needs of over 180 children . 03This project is tagged “Street to Book for the Girl and Boy Child”. Like the name states, children as young as 3 years old who were found begging for alms and hawking are taken off the streets, given medical attention where necessary , cleaned up and provided with clothes and shoes and put in various schools in and around their environs. Some of them are helped with the permission of their parents who can not afford to give them a better standard of living .

The Street to Book Project has carried out remarkable functions like:
  1. I. Distribution of food items, stationeries, and toiletries.
  2. II. Ramadan feeding of the poor with thousands of beneficiaries over the past few years.
  3. III. Healthcare and medical outreach projects.
  4. IV. Minor and major surgeries for those in need of urgent medical attention.

Our Team

Meet our Team

At Laylah’s Way, our Team are the heartbeat of our organization, embodying the values of compassion, dedication, and community empowerment. Their selfless contributions play a vital role in realizing our mission to uplift and empower underprivileged individuals. Here’s a glimpse into the incredible work and spirit of our volunteers:
Our Team bring an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact. Motivated by a deep sense of purpose, they dedicate their time and talents to create meaningful change in the lives of those we serve.
Compassion is the driving force behind our Team actions. They engage with individuals and communities with genuine empathy, recognizing the unique challenges faced by the underprivileged. This compassionate approach forms the basis of the supportive relationships they build.
Be a part of a community that is transforming dreams into reality,

Dr. Laylah Ali Othman

Chief Executive Officer
Usman Mai Aliyu

General Coordinator
Kaltumi Yakubu

Borno State Coordinator
Olatunji Seyi

Planning Committee
Haulatu Nasir

Gombe State Coordinator

Hyelhirra Zainab Mussa

Special Adviser for Media
Aliyu mai Aliyu

North West Coordinator
Muhammad Mustapha

Yobe State Coordinator

Waldo's Musa Aliyu

Bauchi State Coordinator
The challenges associated with the Almajiri system of education in the country and to propose some potential areas of intervention and methods of intervention for more effective solution.
01

A Brief Background on the Almajiri System of Education

The Almajiri system of education is an informal education system in Northern Nigeria where children from poor socio-economic background are sent to Islamic teachers to receive religious education. This system has been in existence for centuries, dating back to the pre-colonial era. The children at most times stay with teachers or their parents depending on the closeness or proximity to the teacher's abode, for moral upbringing and attend local schools. Inspectors are assigned to each of the schools to provide oversight and report back to the local Emirs. These Schools are funded by authorities, as well as through Zakat, Sadaqah and other sources. However, with the introduction of British colonial system of governance, this particular system became less relevant and people developed less interest in it which consequently led to the removal of many Emirs and the loss of control of their territories as well, the Almajiri system of education. There was an abolishment of the system and the gradual withdrawal of funding for school system and its replacement with western education. This led many students to resort to alms begging and menial labour to survive. Today, it is estimated that there are about 7 million Almajiris which 76% are under the age of 18. These children are facing serious deprivations such as lack of basic social amenities, poor quality teaching, and limited access to healthcare. Consequently upon this, many of them have resorted to be political thugs, drug peddlers and other criminal menace leading to the breakdown of the traditional ways of the Almajiri system of education.

02

Possible Areas of Interventions

With this brief introduction of the almajiri system in the northern part of Nigeria, l believed that given an insight into the causes of this problem, it will suffice as tracing the root causes too. Therefore, I would like to proffer some solutions to you, sir, for your consideration. A. Need for Legislation by the National Assembly to create an office with the sole purpose of addressing the Almajiri system of education. B. Proper documentation of all vulnerable children in the streets of all northern states including some states in the South-West, South-East, South-South if any. C. Documentation of all Islamic teachers including taking census of Islamic schools and students. D. Providing a monthly stipend for all teachers and providing meals for the students. E. Allocating some portion of the national feeding programm budget to cater for such unconventional schools. F. Integrating conventional school teachers remodelling the almajiri children and giving them befitting educational carrier. G. Appointing supervisors in each political ward to observe and report to the authorities as the case in pre-colonial times. H. Granting Local Councils and Traditional Rulers the authority to ensure smooth and effective implementation. I. Create offices to address the Almajiri system of education and take lead in changing the present system. If these measures are implemented, Your Excellency, we expect to see a great shift in the perception of the Almajiri system of education in Nigeria .

03

Possible Methods of Intervention

Implementing this proposal might be an uphill task however, with determination and the will and desire to take care of the vulnerable children off the street of different states whose future is uncertain, there can be no service to humanity as great as this. After a careful survey on the issue of reforms in this sector, I identified some major stumbling blocks such as the traditional ruling system especially in the Northern part of the country, their mallams which subverts every efforts of government in futility. Therefore, the below identified methods in tackling these malaise could be deployed. A. Empowering the traditional rulers to lead these reforms in their domains, with the backing of an act of parliament. B. Sensitization programs should be implemented in all to all identified Local Government Areas to educate Malams on the importance of such reforms and provide a small incentive at the end of the workshops. C. Allocation of Land in collaboration with the States to build more schools. D. A pilot project should be carried out in selected Local Government Areas, construction of schools, providing affordable or free healthcare for teachers and students. These and many more are likely to influence the perception of the sector, and the intentions therein.

6+

Volunteer enrolled

13+

outreach

100+

People helped

19+

Sponsors

04

Advantages of Aggressive Intervention

It is widely accepted that education is the cornerstone of any society, and it is also a well- known fact that majority of Nigeria's population consists of youth and children. Unfortunately, in the northern part of the country, many of these young people are deprived, with no education, making them vulnerable under the manipulation of selfish politicians and extremist groups such as Boko Haram etc. The government has failed in addressing these pathetic issues, instead, it has engaged in a not well thought-out action of awarding foreign scholarships to the children of the wealthy and ignoring the needed. A. Would the Almajiri system of education properly accessed, the potential to provide some far reaching growth could have been achieved in the country which would also have translated in more productive and target-oriented ventures for the youth to tap in. B. Could have drastically reduced crime and political thuggery. C. The nuisance value of the almajiri can as well be turn into productive and essentials for economic growth. D. It could also gained some interventions from non-governmental agencies through donor funding thus taking off some burden from government.

05

Disadvantages and its attendant consequences

Often time, children who grow up without adequate care, love and affection from both parents and guardians become a great threat to society. These children may have been exposed to harsh environments, neglect, or even abuse, leading to lack of emotional stability, love and trust in authority (ies). This position is true in some northern part of Nigeria, where child molestation by religious leaders, who are supposed to provide care for young children, are frequently found to abuse such trust given to them by parents of those children. Without a sense of hope, these children sometimes are exposed to criminal activities such as robbery, theft, rape, and terrorism and disrupting the peace of the community thus hindering the government's ability to provide effective services. A case in point is of a child in Zamfara who recently made news headlines due to the Malam's abuse. We also have cases of child molestation that occur throughout the world. Yours sincerely is to state that l have adopted the said child and l am pleased to report that the child is presently doing well, academically and physically indicating that with proper care and show of love, these children will have a better future.

06

Its Impact on Your Excellency's Administration

The prospects of tackling the Almajiri system in Nigeria is critical and to the realisation of the objectives of your administration far-reaching goals. Providing access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities to the vulnerable in the society by your administration can not only eradicate poverty but will enhanced the nation's economic growth. Additionally, increased access to education will foster greater sense of civic engagement and political participation. Your administration's commitment to tackling the Almajiri system is a sure sign of greater promise for the future of Nigeria. History will forever be indebted to you if these momentous reforms are realized during your tenure as President Sir. Your legacy will be one of the first in Nigeria to boldly tackle this formidable challenge. The generations to come will sing your praises for providing them with a new dawn. Nigeria will be the recipient of global recognition for undertaking these reforms, and neighbouring countries will strive to emulate your successful example. Most importantly, the Almighty will bestow his blessings upon you for taking up this noble cause.