NCAOOSCE Reassures Nigerians, Says Mandate on Almajiri Education Remains Unchanged

NCAOOSCE Reassures Nigerians, Says Mandate on Almajiri Education Remains Unchanged
NCAOOSCE explained that the projects were incorporated into the 2026 federal budget as constituency projects in line with the long-established budgetary practice
Says it’s profiled more than 700,000 out-of-school children across Nigeria and established 119 learning centres nationwide

The National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education (NCAOOSCE) has clarified concerns over some projects captured in its 2026 Appropriation Act, saying the projects are National Assembly constituency projects assigned to the commission for implementation and do not represent a shift from its statutory responsibilities.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the commission’s clarification follows public reactions to reports highlighting the inclusion of projects that appear to fall outside its core mandate.

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In a statement, NCAOOSCE explained that the projects were incorporated into the 2026 federal budget as constituency projects in line with the long-established budgetary practice under which such projects are allocated to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for execution through the Appropriation Act.

According to the commission, the projects form part of the responsibilities assigned to it under the duly approved budget and will be implemented in compliance with existing laws, financial regulations and due procurement procedures.

The commission, however, stressed that its statutory mandate remains unchanged, noting that it was established to coordinate national efforts aimed at reforming the Almajiri system of education and addressing the growing challenge of out-of-school children across the country.

It said it remains committed to expanding access to quality education, strengthening Almajiri education, supporting state governments and other critical stakeholders, and implementing programmes that directly improve the lives and future of millions of vulnerable children.

NCAOOSCE Reassures Nigerians, Says Mandate on Almajiri Education Remains Unchanged — NCAOOSCE

NCAOOSCE also highlighted some of the progress it has made in delivering on its mandate.

According to the commission, it has successfully identified and profiled more than 700,000 out-of-school children across Nigeria and established 119 learning centres nationwide to improve access to education for vulnerable children.

It added that it has continued to carry out ward-to-ward advocacy and community mobilisation campaigns while working towards the full implementation of the National Policy on Almajiri, a policy designed to reform the traditional Almajiri education system and tackle the social problems associated with it.

Reaffirming its commitment to its core responsibilities, the commission said addressing the educational needs of Almajiri and out-of-school children remains its foremost priority.

It also expressed appreciation for the support of the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, and other stakeholders, saying their collaboration has strengthened ongoing efforts to improve access to education for vulnerable children.

The commission assured Nigerians that it would continue to pursue its mandate with renewed commitment while ensuring that every project assigned to it under the 2026 Appropriation Act is implemented transparently and in accordance with the law.

It further pledged to continue working with relevant stakeholders to expand educational opportunities for disadvantaged children and ensure that every Nigerian child has access to quality education and the opportunity to realise his or her full potential.