The National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education is set to launch new initiatives aimed at addressing Nigeria’s severe out-of-school children crisis. In 2025, the commission plans to establish state offices across all 36 states to decentralize its operations. This initiative is part of the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the alarming number of out-of-school children in the country.
As part of the 2025 Appropriation Bill, the Ministry of Education has proposed a budget of N50 billion to support out-of-school children. This includes various programmes designed to reintegrate children into education and provide them with the resources necessary to succeed. Furthermore, N100 million has been allocated to mop-up exercises for Almajiri and out-of-school children in selected states, aimed at bringing children into formal education.
Despite the efforts being made, the challenge remains significant. According to UNICEF, Nigeria is home to 18.3 million out-of-school children, with the northern states accounting for 60% of the total. In response, the government is investing in various programs targeting both educational infrastructure and skill acquisition for these children. One such initiative includes the Arabic Language Village in Borno, which has set aside N10.16 million for Almajiri children.
Several programs have been allocated funding under the 2025 budget, including skill acquisition training, economic empowerment for graduates, and the supervision of non-formal education centres nationwide. Additionally, N100 million has been earmarked for solar power installations at Tsangaya schools, while N150 million will go toward the renovation and equipping of schools and learning centres across the country.
The commission is also focusing on the digitization of its operations, with N50 million budgeted for the procurement of computers, office equipment, and the renewal of its website and communication tools. The goal is to enhance the efficiency of the commission and make it more accessible to the communities it serves.
With the implementation of these initiatives, the government aims to reduce the number of out-of-school children and empower them with education, skills, and resources for a brighter future.