Tunji Alausa: FG collaboration with states key to reducing Almajiri, out-of-school burden

Tunji Alausa, minister of education, has said that meaningful reduction of the Almajiri system and Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis can only be achieved through stronger collaboration between the federal government and state authorities.

Alausa made this known while speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement on education reform, where he stressed that education remains a shared responsibility under Nigeria’s constitution.

‘Joint action required’

According to the minister, while the federal government can design policies, provide funding frameworks and set national standards, implementation largely rests with states and local governments.

He said efforts to tackle the rising number of out-of-school children must involve coordinated planning, better funding alignment, and improved monitoring mechanisms across all tiers of government.

“Addressing the Almajiri challenge and the wider out-of-school burden requires collective ownership,” Alausa said. “No single level of government can solve it alone.”

Reforming the Almajiri system

The Almajiri system — a traditional Islamic education model prevalent in northern Nigeria — derives from the Arabic word al-Muhajirun, meaning one who leaves home in search of knowledge.

While historically rooted in religious scholarship, the system has in recent decades become associated with child vulnerability, street begging and limited access to formal education due to weak regulation and poor integration into mainstream schooling.

Alausa noted that reform efforts should focus on integrating Almajiri schools into the formal education framework by:

Introducing structured curricula that combine Islamic and conventional education

Improving teacher training and supervision

Expanding school infrastructure in underserved communities

Strengthening social welfare support for vulnerable families

Out-of-school crisis

Nigeria is estimated to have one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children globally, with poverty, insecurity, cultural factors and inadequate infrastructure cited as major drivers.

The minister said the federal government is working with subnational governments to improve data collection, expand access to basic education, and ensure better utilisation of funds under the Universal Basic Education programme.

He added that beyond policy reforms, community engagement and parental awareness would be crucial in ensuring children remain in school.

“Every Nigerian child deserves access to quality education, regardless of geography or background,” Alausa said.

He reiterated that sustained political will and effective intergovernmental cooperation would be key to reducing both the Almajiri phenomenon and the broader out-of-school burden nationwide.