Tunji Alausa, the minister of education has said Nigeria is now better positioned to tackle the persistent challenge of Almajiri and out-of-school children across the country.
Alausa made the remark while addressing the committee of states commissioners of education in Nigeria during a peer-learning webinar focused on strengthening education reforms nationwide.
He stressed that stronger collaboration between the federal government and state governments remains essential to reducing the number of out-of-school children.
According to the minister, Nigeria’s improved readiness is linked to the establishment of the national commissionfor Almajiri and out-of-school children education, which he described as a strategic response to the long-standing crisis.
He said the issue requires coordinated action at all levels of government.
He said, “reducing out-of-school children requires shared accountability, harmonised implementation frameworks, and evidence-based planning across all tiers of government.
“Today, the country is better positioned to manage and aggressively tackle this problem once and for all in a very strategic, futuristic, and sustainable manner.”
Alausa added that renewed commitment from state governments has strengthened efforts to address the problem.
Nigeria has one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children in the world, with the challenge particularly prevalent in northern states where the Almajiri system is widely practised.
The minister also commended the Committee of States Commissioners of Education for promoting policy coordination and peer learning among states.
He noted that such collaboration would help improve access to education nationwide.
Education stakeholders have identified sustained funding, accurate data, community participation and curriculum integration as key factors needed to address the Almajiri and out-of-school children crisis in the country.