By Our Correspondent
National News – The Federal Government has announced stricter enforcement measures for Almajiri learning centres across Nigeria, warning operators that failure to meet newly established educational and welfare standards could lead to sanctions, including closure.
The announcement follows the release of the National Policy on the Enhancement of Almajiri Education by the Federal Ministry of Education last month.
The policy applies to all Almajiri centres, both male and female, and introduces mandatory compliance standards.
Operators must register with state or local authorities, maintain detailed learner records, including biometric data, submit regular reports, and allow inspections by government agencies.
Centres that fail to comply will be given a probation period of three to six months before sanctions are applied.
A key provision bans sending children to beg on the streets, a long-standing practice associated with the system.
The reforms also set minimum welfare and health requirements. Learners and facilitators must undergo routine medical checks at recognised public health facilities, while centres must have access to nearby healthcare services and basic first aid kits.
Enrolment conditions now include a minimum of three items of clothing, two pairs of footwear, eating utensils, and essential learning materials.
Age limits restrict day centre learners to 4–18 years and boarding learners to 12–18 years, with adult learners taught separately.
To improve educational outcomes, the government has mandated a uniform curriculum integrating literacy, numeracy, and relevant digital skills.
Infrastructure standards require adequate toilets, water supply, ventilation, and gender-specific learning spaces.
Centres are also expected to operate according to approved academic calendars and submit to monitoring by local, state, or federal authorities.
The Almajiri system, historically focused on Quranic education, has faced criticism for neglect and street begging.
This policy builds on previous interventions by the National Commission for Nomadic Education and the Universal Basic Education Commission, aiming to formalise learning, enforce welfare standards, and reduce the growing number of out-of-school children in northern Nigeria.
Officials stress that compliance is crucial to protect vulnerable learners and ensure quality education.
