The Federal Government has unveiled a new National Policy for the Enhancement of Almajiri Education, introducing sweeping reforms aimed at ending street begging among Almajiri pupils while expanding access to formal education and vocational training.
The policy, recently approved by the Federal Ministry of Education, prohibits Almajiri learning centres from sending pupils onto the streets to beg and makes the registration of all centres mandatory.
According to the policy document, every learner will now receive instruction in literacy, numeracy, digital education, vocational training, civic education and life skills alongside Qur’anic studies.
“No learner shall be sent out to beg in the street or do menial jobs,” the document stated.
The government warned that any learning centre found violating the directive could face sanctions, including suspension or closure.
The policy also introduces a nationwide certification system that will award certificates to learners who complete their studies at recognised institutions.
In a move aimed at strengthening oversight and accountability, the Federal Government directed all Almajiri schools to maintain both manual and electronic records of learners while ensuring the biometric registration of pupils.
The reforms further establish minimum standards for healthcare, sanitation, accommodation and learning facilities in both day and boarding schools.
Under the new guidelines, learners and facilitators will undergo regular medical examinations, while schools must provide access to clean water, proper ventilation, sanitation facilities and nearby healthcare services.
The policy also extends government support to registered learning centres through the provision of educational materials, healthcare services, school feeding programmes and scholarships.
Facilitators, including Alarammas, will be incorporated into teacher training programmes organised by relevant government agencies.
According to the government, the reforms are intended to modernise the Almajiri education system rather than abolish it.
“It is developed not to take over learning centres but to provide clear operational guidelines, direction and streamline activities of the Almajiri education system,” the document stated.
The government linked the challenges affecting the Almajiri system to years of neglect, inadequate funding, weak regulation and parental abandonment.
It also noted that the long-standing practice of street begging had exposed many children to exploitation, abuse and other social risks while contributing significantly to the country’s growing number of out-of-school children.
Special provisions were also introduced to protect girls enrolled in Qur’anic schools, with the policy acknowledging that female learners often face heightened risks of exploitation and exclusion from formal education.
Implementation of the policy will be coordinated by the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education in partnership with state governments, local authorities, traditional rulers, parents, community leaders and development partners.
The policy represents the Federal Government’s most comprehensive attempt to regulate the Almajiri education system and integrate millions of learners into Nigeria’s formal educational framework.