Almajiri are not out-of-school children -FG

To address Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis, the federal government has announced plans to redefine the classification to exclude Almajiri children, citing their established Islamic education system.

Suwaba Saidu, the minister of state for education, made the statement during an interview on Arise TV, arguing that Almajiri children are not out-of-school but part of an alternative learning structure that can be integrated into the nation’s formal education framework.

The Almajiri system, prevalent in northern Nigeria, involves young boys (Almajirai) sent to Islamic schools for Quranic education.

However, a lack of oversight has often left them vulnerable to street begging and neglect. Critics have long called for reforms to incorporate literacy, numeracy, and life skills into the curriculum, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional and formal education.

Saidu emphasised the government’s intent to expand foundational literacy and digital training for these children.

“We want to redefine what we mean by out-of-school children because the Almajiri already have a system of education with their teachers and curriculum. By incorporating key components like basic literacy, numeracy, and vocational skills, we can ensure they fit seamlessly into Nigeria’s formal system,” she said.

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This effort aligns with the federal government’s broader roadmap to reduce the country’s staggering out-of-school population—currently estimated at 28 million by UNESCO.

The plan includes creating accelerated learning centres and operational using open school schemes to reabsorb marginalised children into educational or vocational tracks.

The establishment of the Almajiri Commission in 2023 further underscores the government’s commitment to reform.

States like Kano and Kaduna have initiated committees to revitalise Islamic education, working toward harmonising it with modern educational demands.