The sun beat down on the bustling streets of Abuja as Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, stood before a panel of lawmakers. The weight of a nation’s future rested on his shoulders as he passionately argued for increased funding to combat the pressing issues of Almajiri and out-of-school children in Nigeria.
“We need more resources to address the plight of these vulnerable children,”
Mr. Alausa declared, his voice resonating with determination.
Almajiri—a term derived from the Arabic word ‘Al-Muhaajirun,’ meaning immigrants—has become synonymous with the struggle of millions of children across Nigeria. According to a report by UNICEF, there are approximately 9.5 million Almajiri children in the country, constituting a staggering 72% of the total out-of-school population.
As Mr. Alausa painted a grim picture of the educational landscape, he highlighted that
“One in three Nigerian children is currently deprived of access to education.”
This alarming statistic underscored the urgent need for intervention at both federal and state levels.
In Northern Nigeria, where the majority of Almajiri children are concentrated, remnants of neglected schools stand as solemn reminders of broken promises. The once vibrant educational institutions established during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure now lay dormant due to lack of maintenance and support from successive governments.
Amidst this educational crisis loomed a beacon of hope—the promise made by Mr. Alausa to breathe new life into these neglected institutions under the Tinubu government’s leadership.
“We must revive these schools and invest in our human capital development,”
he emphasized, his resolve unwavering.
The call for increased investment in education was not just about numbers and statistics; it was about securing Nigeria’s future prosperity. As Mr. Alausa eloquently put it,
“Without education, we cannot thrive as a society.”
His words echoed through the hallowed halls of government buildings, stirring hearts and minds alike.
Recognizing that this challenge required a collaborative approach, Mr. Alausa revealed ongoing efforts to engage state governments in finding lasting solutions to the out-of-school crisis. Together with federal lawmakers and education commissioners from all corners of Nigeria, they sought to forge a path towards inclusive and accessible education for every child.
Senator Muntari Dandutse echoed this sentiment during the budget defense session,
“Efficient resource allocation is paramount in bridging gaps within our education sector.”
His words carried weight as he emphasized the constitutional duty lawmakers bore in ensuring strategic planning and utilization of resources for critical sectors like education.
The conversation extended beyond political rhetoric; it delved into the very essence of national progress and unity. Each voice raised in advocacy for educational reform represented another step towards building a brighter tomorrow for generations to come.
