The Federal Government has expanded its reform of the Almajiri education system with the establishment of 119 new learning centres across the country and the commencement of the recovery of 157 model Almajiri schools built under former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Spokesperson of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education (NCAOOSCE), Nura Muhammad, disclosed this in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday.
119 New Learning Centres Established
Muhammad said the newly established centres are designed to transform access to foundational education for Almajiri learners and out-of-school children through two operational models.
The first model integrates structured literacy and numeracy classes into existing Almajiri schools, while the second is dedicated to out-of-school children using the Accelerated Basic Education Programme (ABEP) curriculum, which allows learners to fast-track foundational education within a shorter period.
He also announced the development of a National Policy on Almajiri Education, championed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, adding that Almajiri learners would no longer be classified as out-of-school children under the new framework.
“With this development, Almajiri schools will now receive the same level of support and funding as conventional schools,” he said.
Muhammad noted that within 28 months of its establishment, the Commission had set up offices in all 36 states and launched a ward-to-ward advocacy campaign in seven pilot states—Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, Borno, Lagos, Ogun and Cross River.
“So far, Lagos, Cross River, Ogun and Yobe have successfully covered all wards in their states, and the public response has been very encouraging,” he said, adding that the model would be expanded nationwide.
FG Begins Recovery of 157 Jonathan-Era Almajiri Schools
Muhammad further announced that the Federal Government had begun full recovery of the 157 model Almajiri schools established during President Jonathan’s administration.
He said the recovery was a decisive step in revitalising and institutionalising Almajiri education, noting that all schools would be brought under the Commission’s control before rehabilitation begins.
The spokesperson commended Jonathan’s effort, describing the initiative as “a noble and well-intentioned stride toward modernising the system,” but noted that several challenges undermined its success.
“One major issue was the inability to adequately carry along the Alarammas—the traditional Qur’anic teachers responsible for Almajiri education—during the policy implementation,” he said.
He added that the programme previously operated only as an initiative under the Federal Ministry of Education without a strong legal or institutional framework.
“With the establishment of the Commission backed by law, and the recent adoption of a National Policy on Almajiri Education, the momentum for reform is significantly stronger,” he said.
Skills Training for Almajiri Youth
Muhammad also highlighted the Tinubu Legacy Skills Training Institute, one of the Commission’s flagship projects established to equip Almajiri youths with religious and employable skills.
At the Kaduna campus, 200 learners recently completed a nine-month intensive training programme covering Arabic and English literacy, Qur’anic interpretation and vocational skills such as POP design, plumbing, agriculture, tiling, solar installation, GSM repair and ICT.
The trainees studied under the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) curriculum and are now awaiting examination results.
A second branch of the institute in Ibadan is currently training 150 girls using the ABEP curriculum to accelerate foundational learning alongside vocational training.
Muhammad said the Commission had also developed the NCAOOSCE Strategic Plan (2025–2035), produced during two retreats organised with the Office of the National Security Adviser.
“These initiatives reflect the Tinubu administration’s determination to reform the Almajiri system and ensure no child is left behind,” he said. “From expanded learning centres to community advocacy and skills development, the Commission is laying a foundation that will shape Nigeria’s education landscape for years to come.”
