Group Asks Federal, States To Boost Almajiri Education, Welfare

The Almajiri Reformation and Enhancement Initiative (AREI) has urged federal and state governments to strengthen their support for Almajiri education and welfare.

It also appealed  to relevant political stakeholders to address outstanding commitments arising from its members’ participation in civic mobilisation and election-related activities.

The group made the call yesterday in Abuja.

It hinted of a proposal to organise a national press conference to draw national attention to the challenges confronting Almajirai and their teachers, promoting policy reforms and seeking a coordinated response to their educational and social needs.

AREI said the press conference would bring together Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, government representatives, legislators, media organisations, civil society groups, community leaders and development partners to discuss sustainable solutions to the challenges facing Almajiri communities.

The Initiative identified government commitment, stakeholder collaboration and sustainable intervention as its three major priorities, stressing the need to translate public awareness and policy promises into practical programmes with clear implementation plans and accountability mechanisms. AREI called on federal and state authorities to develop policies and support programmes to improve access to education, welfare services, vocational training, and other development opportunities for Almajirai.

It also advocated stronger partnerships among religious institutions, traditional authorities, government agencies, civil society organisations and development partners to ensure a coordinated approach to Almajiri reformation. Beyond its demands for educational and social interventions, the Initiative raised concerns over what it described as unfulfilled commitments and inadequate recognition of its grassroots contributions during previous civic sensitisation, voter registration awareness and election-related mobilisation activities.

According to AREI, its members participated in community-based campaigns to encourage eligible citizens to register for and collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and to promote participation in the electoral process.

The Initiative said some assurances and support arrangements reportedly made during or after those engagements remained unresolved, adding that it wanted the relevant stakeholders to review the circumstances and clarify any outstanding obligations. It also sought clarification on election-agent appointments and assignments involving representatives associated with its structures across parts of Northern Nigeria, including the North-East, North-West and North-Central geopolitical zones.

AREI said it was prepared to present relevant documentation to the appropriate authorities for verification and review. The organisation further expressed concern over what it described as inadequate communication and engagement with its leadership, arguing that structured dialogue would help resolve misunderstandings, establish the facts and restore confidence among the parties concerned.

It urged the relevant political stakeholders and government representatives to verify its members’ contributions and assignments, review documented commitments, and settle any outstanding entitlements found to be legitimate following verification. The Initiative, however, emphasised that its approach was based on peaceful engagement, fairness and accountability rather than confrontation. It said it remained open to dialogue and would welcome a clear framework to resolve the outstanding issues, including agreed-upon timelines for addressing verified grievances. On the broader question of Almajiri reform, AREI said it hoped the proposed press conference would generate formal policy recommendations, encourage strategic partnerships, identify communities for pilot interventions and expand opportunities for Almajirai to benefit from educational, welfare and skills-development programmes. The Initiative also disclosed plans to seek financial, technical and material support from government agencies, private-sector organisations, philanthropic foundations and development partners to implement its proposed activities.

It said any support received would be managed through transparent documentation and accountability procedures, while implementation would depend on available resources, clearly defined priorities and measurable outcomes.

AREI stressed that its advocacy would remain non-partisan and would not be used to promote any political party or candidate. It called on the Federal Government, state governments, legislators, Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, civil society organisations and development partners to support a coordinated national effort to improve the welfare, dignity and educational prospects of Almajirai and their teachers.

The Initiative said its ultimate objective was to preserve the value of traditional Islamic education while expanding educational opportunities, promoting skills acquisition and ensuring that Almajirai were not unnecessarily excluded from Nigeria’s social and economic development. It expressed hope that the proposed National Press Conference would mark the beginning of broader consultations, stronger institutional engagement and practical interventions to advance Almajiri education and welfare across the country.