Under the leadership of Suwaiba Saidu, Minister of State for Education, the federal government has announced plans to redefine the concept of out-of-school children, particularly about the Almajiri system. The Almajiri system is a long-standing Islamic educational practice in the northern regions. Historically, it involves young boys sent away from their homes to seek Islamic knowledge under the training of Islamic scholars. While the Almajiri system imparts religious teachings, it has often been criticised for its limited scope of education, lack of foundational literacy, and the economic hardships it places on children.
However, the federal government now believes that Almajiri should not be considered out-of-school because they already receive some form of education. The new plan is to better connect the Almajiri system with Nigeria’s formal Education by adding essential reading, writing, math, digital skills, and Vocational Training to their lessons. Meanwhile, Poverty remains the most significant barrier to accessing quality education. Many families cannot afford school fees and the indirect costs of education, such as learning materials and transportation, forcing youths into labour to support their households.
Various challenges facing the academic system in the country.
Reports indicate that about 43% of kids are engaged in child labour, a factor that severely hinders educational participation. Recent tuition increases have exacerbated this financial strain, with some schools increasing their fees by up to 67%. Consequently, youths, particularly in rural areas, are being pulled out of school to work or assist their families at home. Furthermore, attacks on learning centres, mass abductions, and the lack of safe Infrastructure deter parents from sending their kids to class. This issue is particularly acute in northern regions, where insurgency and armed conflicts have led to the closure of multiple institutions.
Weak infrastructure, including inadequate classrooms, poor Sanitation facilities, and a lack of basic amenities like proper fencing, creates an unsafe and unconducive learning environment, further discouraging enrollment. Gender norms and cultural beliefs also contribute to the nation’s educational gap. Social structures often prioritise male education, leaving girls and marginalised groups, including Almajiri, vulnerable to exclusion from formal education. Many parents in conservative regions prioritise religious instruction over secular education, perpetuating the cycle of limited access to comprehensive learning.
Underfunding in the sector also poses challenges and limitations.
Insufficient Investment has led to a lack of trained teachers, overcrowded classrooms, and weak regulatory mechanisms, undermining the quality of education. The scarcity of qualified educators means that students receive inadequate attention, while poor teaching quality often results in high dropout rates. A recent UNESCO report indicates that 28 million children remain out of school, with 19.5 million residing in rural areas and 8.5 million in urban settings. Likewise, UNICEF statistics highlight that 10.2 million primary school-aged kids and 8.1 million junior secondary school-aged children are currently out of school.
Against this backdrop, the government’s decision to redefine dropout children reflects a strategic shift in education policy. Minister Saidu has emphasised the need to recognise the educational value within the Almajiri system while working to integrate formal elements into their curriculum. By doing so, the government aims to respect cultural traditions and expand access to foundational education. This aligns with the education reform roadmap introduced in 2024, targeting a reduction of dropout children by 25% annually. This ambitious plan includes reabsorbing 15 million children into the formal education system by 2027. Key strategies under this framework involve establishing learning centres for accelerated basic education, aiming to absorb 500,000 overage dropout children each year.
Related Article: Demand rises to ban Almajiri education system
To achieve these goals, Nigeria must confront the barriers hindering access to education. Addressing poverty through Social Protection schemes, such as cash transfers and free school meal programs, can alleviate the financial burden on families. Security reforms are also crucial to restoring parental confidence in the safety of learning centres, particularly in conflict-affected regions. Moreover, the government must invest in educational infrastructure by providing safe classrooms, functional sanitation facilities, and adequate learning materials. Teacher recruitment, training, and Welfare should also be prioritised to enhance instructional quality and reduce class overcrowding.