The Federal Government has announced plans to take control of 157 Almajiri schools, which were originally set up during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. These schools were handed over to the governors of the 19 Northern states but have been neglected in recent years.
Idris Sani, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children, shared this update during a Memorandum of Understanding signing event with the Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA) in Yola, Adamawa State, on Wednesday.
Sani explained that efforts are underway to rehabilitate the schools and restore their intended purpose. “I have directed my Chief of Staff to conclude arrangements for the takeover of 157 Almajiri schools in the country, built by former President Goodluck Jonathan, which were abandoned by successive administrations in the country. We have also applied to the Federal Government to help us rehabilitate them for the take-off of normal academic activities in our quest to tackle the challenges of Almajiri and out-of-school children in the country,” he said.
He emphasized that addressing the Almajiri and out-of-school children issue requires a collective approach, noting that the commission is partnering with the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies to staff the rehabilitated schools, given their substantial workforce.
Odinaka Chimbama, the National Coordinator of CSACEFA and Policy Advisor, reiterated their commitment to supporting the commission’s efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria. She expressed concern about the inadequate funding in the education sector and urged both federal and state governments to increase their education budgets to meet UNESCO’s recommended benchmark of 15-20%.
“Any nation that wants to develop must invest in education, but unfortunately in Nigeria, even the little being budgeted to the sector is not accounted for or properly utilized,” Chimbama said.
She also called for greater transparency and accountability in the use of education funds, adding, “Our work is to support government programs and policies, build the capacities of our members to hold the government accountable in education programs and policies, support the government in developing education policies, and ensure these policies are implemented.”
The Students Forum Nigeria serves as the ultimate hub for Nigerian students, fostering academic growth, social engagement, and knowledge sharing.
