The Federal Government has established 119 learning centres across the country to transform access to foundational education for both Almajiri learners and out-of-school children.
The Spokesperson, National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education (NCAOOSCE), Nura Muhammad, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday.
Muhammad said the centres operate in two models, with some supporting existing Almajiri schools with structured literacy and numeracy classes, while others cater exclusively for out-of-school children using the Accelerated Basic Education Programme (ABEP) curriculum.
He said the approach enabled learners to cover foundational education within a much shorter period.
Muhammad also announced the successful development of a National Policy on Almajiri Education, driven by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa.
According to him, Almajiri learners would no longer be classified as out-of-school children.
He said, with the development, Almajiri schools would receive the same level of support and funding as conventional schools.
Muhammad said the Commission had strengthened its nationwide presence with an office in every state, within 28 months of its existence
He said the commission, as well, launched a ward-to-ward advocacy campaign in seven pilot states – Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, Borno, Lagos, Ogun and Cross River -.
“The campaign engages parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society groups and children, sensitising communities to the dangers of leaving the Almajiri system unregulated and the importance of enrolling children in schools.
“So far, Lagos, Cross River, Ogun and Yobe have successfully covered all wards in their states, and the public response has been very encouraging,.
“The remaining states in the pilot phase are also making substantial progress. Ultimately, we will scale this model across the entire federation,” he said.
The spokesperson said the reforms were in line with the establishment Act of the Commission by the National Assembly, assented to, by the President in May 2023.
According to him, the mandate of the Commission includes reforming the centuries-old Almajiri system through literacy, numeracy and skills acquisition, while ensuring that millions of out-of-school children are enrolled into formal and non-formal education pathways.
“Upon assuming office, the Executive Secretary, NCAOOSCE, Muhammad Idris embarked on nationwide consultations with critical stakeholders, including the Sultan of Sokoto, the CAN President, the Oba of Lagos, the Shehu of Borno, the Ooni of Ife, and the Olubadan, among others.
“These engagements culminated in two major Abuja retreats organised with the Office of the National Security Adviser, focusing on reforming Almajiri education and addressing out-of-school children.
“The retreats produced the NCAOOSCE Strategic Plan (2025-2035), which outlines a clear roadmap for the next decade.
“Among the Commission’s flagship interventions is the Tinubu Legacy Skills Training Institute, established to equip Almajiri youths with both religious knowledge and employable skills,” he said.
He explained that, at its Kaduna campus, 200 Almajiri learners underwent a nine-month intensive training programme.
The training, according to him, covered Arabic and English literacy, Qur’anic interpretation and a broad range of vocational skills including POP design, plumbing, agriculture, tiling, solar installation, GSM repair and ICT.
He said the trainees studied under the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) curriculum, sat for the required examinations and are now awaiting their results.
“Many of them, previously unable to communicate in English or Arabic, can now do so fluently.
“A second branch of the Institute in Ibadan is currently training 150 girls who are also using the ABEP curriculum to fast-track their foundational education alongside vocational skills,” he said.
Muhammad added that, upon completing the nine-month programme, the girls would qualify to continue their formal education.
“These initiatives reflect the Tinubu administration’s determination to reform the Almajiri system and ensure no child is left behind.
“From expanded learning centres to community advocacy and skills development, the Commission is laying a foundation that will shape Nigeria’s education landscape for years to come,”Muhammad said.
