The Federal Government has unveiled a comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s Almajiri education system, introducing new standards aimed at integrating vulnerable children into quality education while prohibiting street begging and strengthening the regulation of Almajiri learning centres nationwide.
The reform, contained in the National Policy on the Enhancement of Almajiri Education in Nigeria, seeks to transform the traditional system by combining Qur’anic education with formal learning, improved child welfare and stronger institutional oversight.
Under the new framework, Almajiri learning centres will be required to comply with minimum operational standards or face sanctions, including suspension or closure after a probation period of between three and six months.
A major feature of the policy is the prohibition of street begging by Almajiri pupils, a practice that has for decades attracted widespread concern because of its impact on children’s safety, welfare and access to education.
The government said the reform is designed to protect children from neglect, exploitation and other social risks while ensuring they receive both Islamic and conventional education in a structured learning environment.
As part of the new measures, all Almajiri learning centres must register with the appropriate state or local government authorities and maintain comprehensive records of learners, including biometric information, to improve monitoring, accountability and effective planning.
Education officials believe the reforms will strengthen quality assurance, improve child protection and enhance coordination among agencies responsible for addressing the country’s out-of-school children challenge.
The policy also seeks to ensure that children enrolled in Almajiri schools have access to literacy, numeracy, vocational education and life skills alongside religious instruction, thereby improving their future educational and employment opportunities.
Education experts have welcomed the initiative, noting that integrating formal education into the Almajiri system could significantly reduce the number of out-of-school children while equipping learners with the knowledge and skills needed for national development.
They argue that strengthening teacher training, providing adequate learning facilities and supporting community participation will be essential to the successful implementation of the reform.
Analysts also emphasise that sustained funding, collaboration with state governments, religious leaders and local communities, as well as continuous monitoring, will determine whether the policy achieves its long-term objectives.
Nigeria continues to face one of the world’s largest out-of-school children populations, making reforms that expand access to inclusive and quality education increasingly important for national development.
The Federal Government expressed optimism that the new Almajiri education policy will improve learning outcomes, protect vulnerable children and modernise the system while preserving its religious and cultural values.
