Equitable Education Access: The Ultimate Solution to Nigeria's Almajiri Crisis
In a nation struggling with pervasive insecurity and multi-dimensional poverty, the introduction of an innovative empowerment investment program called "Almajiri to Tech" represents a crucial step forward. This initiative, launched by the non-governmental organization New Horizons Nigeria, seeks to bridge significant gaps in Human Capital Development (HCD) by addressing the lack of equitable access to formal education. Both public and private institutions should view this program as a model worthy of emulation.
The Stark Reality of Out-of-School Children
Nigeria's complex economic and social challenges, including widespread poverty, make the continued neglect of children under the Almajiri system particularly alarming. The plight of these vulnerable children highlights the severe implications of having large numbers of out-of-school youth. According to 2025 data from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria accounts for not less than 15% of the global total of out-of-school children. The country currently has more than 18 million children without access to education, comprising 10.2 million of primary school age and 8.1 million of junior secondary school age.
The Degeneration of the Almajiri System
Originally conceived as an educational medium within Islamic tradition, the Almajiri system in Nigeria has unfortunately deteriorated into a social scourge. Parents often abandon their children to Quranic scholars who, lacking resources, must send these children to beg for food and basic necessities. This practice has created decades of unintended negative consequences for Nigerian society. Vulnerable children under the Almajiri system, predominantly found in northern states, constitute a significant percentage of the country's out-of-school population.
More concerning is that despite this predicament, Almajiri children have not received adequate attention from government authorities at both state and local levels. It has become imperative to declare Almajiri education a national emergency requiring sustained partnership between government and private sector stakeholders.
Historical Context and Current Initiatives
The Goodluck Jonathan administration previously initiated the concept of Almajiri schools, but this program never fully materialized and has since been abandoned. Revisiting and refining this model for implementation could provide valuable insights. Any empowerment initiative aimed at improving living conditions for Almajiri children deserves commendation and stakeholder support.
The injustice of neglecting Almajiri children becomes particularly stark in the 21st century, where knowledge and skills acquisition have become critical elements in addressing poverty, criminality, and social instability. The New Horizons Nigeria initiative, valued at approximately N50 million, should be diligently implemented to inspire further investments in skills acquisition and job opportunities for vulnerable individuals as part of corporate social responsibility efforts.
Beyond Vocational Training: The Need for Foundational Education
While vocational training represents an important step, it cannot holistically address the educational needs of Almajiri children who lack basic foundational literacy essential for comprehension, communication, and skill deployment. Addressing this requires commitment to resource allocation by governments at national and sub-national levels, along with investment support from non-state actors. The ultimate goal should focus on establishing a functional school system that enhances access to foundational education for Almajiri children, whose vulnerability demands collective societal responsibility for a prosperous and peaceful future.
The Political Dimension and Legal Framework
Nigeria faces significant future uncertainties due to a system that keeps a substantial population of children out of school. The threats posed by the Almajiri system can no longer be ignored or denied. The prolonged existence of this menace reflects failures among political elites who may exploit the ignorance and docility of Almajiri children for domination and subjugation.
No society genuinely prepared for 21st-century realities should tolerate continued segregation and neglect of any population denied basic education opportunities. The current Almajiri system represents what appears to be an elite conspiracy against citizens whose fundamental human rights should be protected according to global standards.
Nigeria passed the Child Rights Act (CRA) in 2003, making both the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child justiciable in the country following state adoption. Unfortunately, both domestication and application of the Child Rights Act remain challenging, with some states yet to adopt the law due to cultural and religious beliefs. Civil society actors must intensify advocacy to ensure the Child Rights Act is domesticated across all 36 states and properly implemented.
The Path Forward
Nigeria stands to benefit immensely when education access becomes truly equitable, free from neglect, denial, and conspiracy. It serves the country's overriding interest to dispassionately address abuses associated with the Almajiri system, ensuring proper integration of vulnerable individuals into society and fostering lasting peace. The "Almajiri to Tech" initiative represents a promising beginning, but sustained, comprehensive efforts involving all stakeholders will be necessary to transform this longstanding challenge into an opportunity for national development.
