By Adesakin Adefemi
In a significant move to boost education in Nigeria, the Federal Government has established 119 learning centres across the country to improve access to foundational education for both Almajiri learners and out-of-school children.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to reform the Almajiri system and ensure that millions of children are enrolled in formal and non-formal education pathways.
The centres operate in two models, some support existing Almajiri schools with structured literacy and numeracy classes, while others cater exclusively for out-of-school children using the Accelerated Basic Education Programme curriculum.
This innovative approach enables learners to complete foundational education within a much shorter period, said Nura Muhammad, spokesperson for the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education.
The development of a National Policy on Almajiri Education, driven by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, marks a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to address the challenges facing Almajiri learners.
According to Muhammad, Almajiri learners will no longer be classified as out-of-school children, and Almajiri schools will now receive the same level of support and funding as conventional schools.
The Commission has strengthened its nationwide presence with an office in every state within 28 months of its existence. A ward-to-ward advocacy campaign has been launched in seven pilot states – Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, Borno, Lagos, Ogun, and Cross River – to sensitise communities to the dangers of leaving the Almajiri system unregulated and the importance of enrolling children in schools.
Lagos, Cross River, Ogun, and Yobe have successfully covered all wards in their states, with encouraging public response. The model will be scaled up across the entire federation, Muhammad said, adding that the remaining states in the pilot phase are making substantial progress.
The Commission has also established the Tinubu Legacy Skills Training Institute to equip Almajiri youths with both religious knowledge and employable skills.
At its Kaduna campus, 200 Almajiri learners underwent a nine-month intensive training programme, covering Arabic and English literacy, Qur’anic interpretation, and vocational skills such as POP design, plumbing, and ICT.
The initiative reflects the administration’s determination to reform the Almajiri system and ensure no child is left behind, Muhammad said.
The Commission’s efforts are expected to have a profound impact on Nigeria’s education landscape, providing millions of children with access to quality education and a brighter future.
The establishment of the learning centres and the Tinubu Legacy Skills Training Institute demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges facing Almajiri learners and out-of-school children. As the Commission continues to scale up its efforts, Nigerians can look forward to a brighter future for the country’s most vulnerable children.
The Commission’s mandate includes reforming the centuries-old Almajiri system through literacy, numeracy, and skills acquisition, while ensuring that millions of out-of-school children are enrolled in formal and non-formal education pathways.
With the launch of the 119 learning centres, the Federal Government has taken a significant step towards achieving this goal.
The success of this initiative will depend on the continued support of stakeholders, including parents, traditional rulers, and civil society groups.
The Commission’s efforts to sens of the community and the importance of education are crucial to achieving this goal.
The federal government’s launch of 119 learning centres for Almajiri and out-of-school children education is a significant step towards addressing the challenges facing the country’s education sector.
With continued support and commitment, Nigeria can look forward to a brighter future for its most vulnerable children.
