Nigeria's FG Focuses on Almajiri Education Reform

Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Education, stated that Nigeria is better positioned to confront the longstanding challenges associated with Almajiri school children.

During a webinar aimed at advancing educational reform, he highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between federal and sub-national governments to reduce the number of out-of-school children, particularly in northern states where the Almajiri system is prevalent. Alausa noted that previous international estimates indicated millions of children are affected, with the Almajiri system historically rooted in Islamic education and associated with street begging.

He attributed the improved outlook to the establishment of the National Commission for Almajiri School Children Education, which Muhammad Sani Idri leads as the Executive Secretary. Idri, who has a PhD and previously served in the education commission in Yobe, expressed optimism about the renewed interest from states in developing strategies to tackle the challenges faced by Almajiri children.