Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Federal Government has officially unveiled a sweeping new National Policy for the Enhancement of Almajiri Education, a comprehensive reform that prohibits Almajiri learning centres from sending pupils to beg on the streets and introduces compulsory literacy, numeracy, digital education, and vocational skills into the traditional Qur'anic education system. The policy, approved under the Federal Ministry of Education and announced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, represents one of the most significant overhauls of the Almajiri system in Nigeria's history, aiming to end the long-standing practice of street begging while integrating learners into the country's broader education framework without altering the religious identity of Qur'anic schools.
At the heart of the new policy is a firm and unambiguous ban on street begging. The policy document states categorically, "No learner(s) shall be sent out to beg in the street or do menial jobs." The government has warned that any registered learning centre that sends learners out to beg will face appropriate action, including sanctions or even closure. The policy explicitly states that one of its key objectives is "to eradicate all forms of begging, abuse and stigmatisation associated with Almajiri in line with the existing Child Protection Laws." This provision directly targets a practice that has for decades seen young boys roaming the streets of many northern cities, asking for money or food, often exposed to exploitation and abuse.
Beyond the ban on begging, the policy introduces a radical expansion of the Almajiri curriculum. For the first time, literacy and numeracy will become compulsory components of Almajiri education nationwide, while relevant digital skills, vocational training, Arabic language, civic education, and life skills will also be incorporated into teaching. The document states, "Literacy and Numeracy shall be infused into the curriculum of the Almajiri teaching and learning," and adds that "relevant digital skills shall be included in the training of the facilitators and learners." The policy further provides that learners should be given opportunities to acquire vocational and technical skills of their choice or those approved by their parents or guardians to improve their future economic prospects. This shift from a purely religious education to a more holistic curriculum is designed to equip learners with foundational education and employable skills that can break the cycle of poverty.
To strengthen oversight and accountability, the government has mandated that all Almajiri learning centres across the country must register with relevant state or local government authorities and maintain comprehensive records of learners. The policy requires schools to keep manual or electronic records as well as biometric data for every learner, stating, "All learning centres shall be registered with relevant state or local government authority working on Almajiri Education." For the first time, graduates of recognised Almajiri learning centres will receive formal certification. According to the policy, "A structured certification process for learners shall be established by the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education in collaboration with relevant federal government agencies," and "Learners who complete the Almajiri education shall be awarded a certificate."
The reforms also introduce minimum operational standards for both day and boarding Almajiri schools. Under the new guidelines, learners must undergo health screening before admission, while facilitators will also undergo periodic health checks. Each learning centre must register with a nearby public health facility, maintain a functional first aid box, provide adequate water and sanitation facilities, ensure proper ventilation and prevent overcrowding. The government has also directed that separate learning spaces be provided for male and female learners and prescribed minimum standards for hostels in boarding schools. The policy extends welfare support to registered Almajiri schools by making them eligible for learning materials, healthcare, nutrition services, school feeding programmes, scholarships for facilitators, and, depending on state capacity, allowances for teachers. It further provides that Alarammas and other facilitators should be integrated into existing teacher development programmes organised by agencies such as the Universal Basic Education Commission.
The unveiling of the policy marks a significant milestone in the Federal Government's efforts to address the Almajiri crisis, which has been a subject of national concern for decades. The traditional Almajiri system, which was originally designed to provide Islamic education, had over time devolved into a system that produced millions of out-of-school children, many of whom were forced to beg on the streets to survive. The new policy represents a departure from previous piecemeal approaches, offering a comprehensive framework that addresses the root causes of the problem while preserving the religious character of Qur'anic education. By integrating modern education with traditional religious instruction, the government hopes to create a generation of Almajiri graduates who are not only grounded in their faith but also equipped with the skills and knowledge to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria's economic and social development. As the policy begins to be implemented across the country, the success of the reforms will depend on the commitment of state governments, the cooperation of traditional and religious leaders, and the willingness of communities to embrace change. For the millions of Almajiri children who have been trapped in a cycle of poverty and deprivation, the new policy offers a glimmer of hope that their future will no longer be defined by the streets but by the opportunities that education and skills can provide.
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