FG, Plan Int’l Launch Committee For Almajiri Education Reforms

The federal government, in collaboration with Plan International Nigeria and KDC Foundation, has inaugurated a technical working group to draft a National Implementation Framework for reforms in Tsangaya and Almajiri education systems.

Speaking at the event, Risola Abiola, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by out-of-school children, particularly Almajiri boys.

She said the government aims to empower young people with educational, social, and economic programmes to enhance global competitiveness.

“The Almajiri Commission, along with Plan International and other partners, is working to ensure that the youth’s needs are properly addressed. We eagerly await the committee’s recommendations after their wide-ranging consultations,” Abiola stated.

Khalifa Usman, founder of KDC Foundation, stressed the importance of developing a federal framework to guide sustainable Almajiri education reforms.

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He noted that the 22-member committee, comprising representatives from government agencies, civil society, and international organizations, would finalise the framework within four weeks.

“The framework will be presented at a national summit to seek President Tinubu’s commitment and mobilize political will from governors and other stakeholders,” Usman said.

Usman highlighted the lack of integrated curricula, teaching resources, and trained educators in Tsangaya schools.

He called for a functional curriculum tailored to the socio-economic realities of the schools, incorporating mainstream education subjects.

Also, Labaran Onisimos, Head of Programmes, Plan International Nigeria, announced that the European Union and Global Affairs Canada are funding the initiative.

He said Plan International has been working on issues surrounding out-of-school children and safeguarding against gender-based violence in Tsangaya schools for over two years.

“Our funding will support this initiative until March 2025, and we aim to change societal perceptions about Almajiri children,” Dadi stated.

Executive secretary of the Almajiri Commission, Sani Idris Muhammad, condemned practices such as child labour, street begging, and the exploitation of Almajiri children.

He stressed the need for a revitalized education system to provide basic literacy and numeracy skills.

“No serious government can allow these practices to continue. Revitalizing the Almajiri system will not only benefit the children but also make Nigeria safer,” Muhammad said.