The Federal Government has announced plans to take over 157 abandoned Almajiri schools, initially established during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. The schools, designed to address the educational needs of Almajiri and out-of-school children, were handed over to governors of the 19 northern states but have since fallen into disuse.
This development was disclosed by Idris Sani, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Commission, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA) in Yola, Adamawa State, on Wednesday.
Sani revealed that the commission has initiated steps to rehabilitate the abandoned facilities and return them to their original purpose. “I have directed my Chief of Staff to conclude arrangements for the takeover of 157 Almajiri schools in the country, built by former President Goodluck Jonathan, which were abandoned by successive administrations,” Sani said.
He added that the commission had sought federal support to rehabilitate the schools and resume normal academic activities. “This is part of our mission to address the challenges of Almajiri and out-of-school children across the nation,” he explained.
To enhance the operations of the rehabilitated schools, the commission is partnering with the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies to deploy qualified personnel. Sani emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to tackle the growing crisis of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
Speaking during the event, Odinaka Chimbama, National Coordinator of CSACEFA and Policy Advisor, expressed the coalition’s support for the commission’s efforts. She highlighted the urgency of addressing the poor funding of education in Nigeria and called for increased investment in the sector.
“Any nation that wants to develop must invest in education,” Chimbama said, adding that the federal and state governments should align with UNESCO’s recommended budget benchmark of 15-20% for the education sector. She also called for greater transparency and accountability in the utilization of education funds.
“Our work is to support government programs, build the capacities of our members to hold the government accountable in education programs and policies, and ensure the effective implementation of these policies,” Chimbama noted.
The rehabilitation of these schools is expected to significantly contribute to reducing the alarming number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, a challenge that has long hindered educational development and social stability in the country.
