National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education

The Executive Secretary, National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education (NCAOOSCE), Dr. Muhammad Sani Idris, today visited Jere community in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State to assess the progress of the ongoing Tsangaya Learning Centres.

During the visit, Dr. Idris inspected learning activities at the centres, where over 400 Almajiri learners are currently undergoing basic literacy and numeracy, alongside Arabic education and farming skills. The engagement provided an opportunity to interact directly with facilitators and learners, as well as evaluate the impact of the programme on improving both academic and vocational outcomes.

The Executive Secretary noted that the initiative remains a critical step towards integrating Almajiri children into formal and inclusive education systems, while also equipping them with practical skills for self-reliance. He encouraged the learners to remain dedicated to their studies, assuring them of the Commission’s continued support.

The Commission remains steadfast in its mandate to reduce the number of out-of-school children and provide access to quality, inclusive, and skills-oriented education across the country.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has inaugurated the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education (NCAOOSCE).

The inauguration ceremony took place at the headquarters of the Commission in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, represented by the Director of the System Study and Review Department, Mr. Olusegun Adigun, said the establishment of ACTUs in government organisations is aimed at promoting accountability, transparency and integrity in the public service.

He explained that the unit will monitor internal processes, promote ethical conduct among staff, and support the fight against corruption within the organisation.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education, Dr. Muhammad Sani Idris, represented by the Chief of Staff and Head of Human Resource and Administration, Dr. Daha Tijjani Abdurrahman, urged the newly inaugurated members of ACTU to view the responsibility as both an honour and a duty.

He encouraged them to serve as champions of integrity and accountability within the Commission, ensuring that its programmes remain transparent and aligned with the highest standards of public service.

Dr. Abdurrahman also reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment under the leadership of Dr. Muhammad Sani Idris to remain guided by the principles of integrity, diligence and service to the nation as it continues to provide educational opportunities for millions of vulnerable children across the country.

The oath of allegiance was administered to the five members of the ACTU by the ICPC Legal Officer, Nkem Ezenwa.

In her acceptance speech, the Chairman of the ACTU of NCAOOSCE, Hajiya Falila Darda’u Rafindadi, expressed appreciation to the Executive Secretary, Dr. Muhammad Sani Idris, for the confidence reposed in her. She pledged to discharge her responsibilities diligently alongside other members of the unit in promoting transparency, accountability and integrity within the Commission.

The National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education (NCAOOSCE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the non-governmental organization, Alummah Development Foundation, to strengthen efforts aimed at addressing the challenge of Almajiri and out-of-school children in Nigeria.

The agreement was signed during a ceremony held at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of NCAOOSCE, Dr. Muhammad Sani Idris, expressed optimism that the partnership would further enhance the commission’s ongoing efforts to reduce the number of vulnerable children without access to education.

Dr. Idris reiterated the commission’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to provide education, vocational training, and life skills for millions of disadvantaged children across the country.

He emphasized that collaboration with organizations such as the Alummah Development Foundation is crucial to achieving sustainable solutions to the Almajiri and out-of-school children crisis.

In her remarks, the Founder and National Coordinator of the Alummah Development Foundation, Hajiya Zeenat Umar Yazid, thanked the Executive Secretary for the confidence reposed in the organization.

She pledged that the foundation would leverage its experience and expertise in addressing the challenges faced by Almajiri and out-of-school children, adding that the partnership would contribute significantly to improving access to education and opportunities for vulnerable children in Nigeria.

The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education (NCAOOSCE), Dr. Muhammad Sani Idris, yesterday led the Management Team of the Commission on a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN.

The visit provided an opportunity to strengthen institutional collaboration, reinforce transparency and accountability in the education sector, and deepen strategic engagement between both agencies in advancing quality and inclusive education for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children across Nigeria.

The Commission remains committed to upholding integrity, good governance, and effective service delivery

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The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education, Dr. Muhammad Sani Idris, has officially handed over data of 16,310 out-of-school children identified in Benue State to the state government.

The children form part of over 700,000 out-of-school children recently mapped by the Commission across the country.

The handover took place during the maiden Benue State Summit on Basic Education held in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

Dr. Idris disclosed that Benue State is the first in the federation to formally accept the Commission’s data after expressing readiness to enroll the identified children back into school. According to him, following the nationwide mapping exercise, the Commission wrote to all state governments seeking partnership to facilitate the enrollment of the affected children. However, several months later, Benue remains the only state that has partnered with the commission.

He commended the Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for his passion and commitment to improving education in the state. The Executive Secretary also praised the Executive Chairman of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board for her dedication and dogged efforts toward transforming the basic education sector.

In his remarks, Governor Alia expressed appreciation to the Commission for conducting the mapping exercise in the state and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that no child in Benue is denied access to education. He pledged to collaborate with all education stakeholders to achieve inclusive and equitable basic education.

The Governor emphasized that education in all public primary and junior secondary schools in Benue State remains free from Basic One to Basic Nine. He noted that his administration has recruited over 9,700 teachers, ensured consistent payment of salaries, and implemented the harmonized retirement age for teachers, as part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening the education sector.

The Benue State Government has already commenced the enrollment process, beginning with 500 of the identified children. The state plans to continue enrolling the children in batches of 500 until all 16,000 are fully integrated back into the school system.

The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education (NCAOOSCE), Dr. Muhammad Sani Idris, has appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Alternative Education to defend the Commission’s proposed 2026 budget.

Speaking during the session, Dr. Idris outlined key milestones achieved by the Commission, including the establishment of the Tinubu Legacy Skills Training Institute in Kaduna. He disclosed that the institute has trained about 200 Almajiri in various vocational skills, while also exposing them to English and Arabic language studies. The trainees were prepared for and sat for the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) examination, qualifying them for admission into higher institutions.

According to him, the Commission is also undertaking a nine-month skills acquisition and basic education programme for 150 girls at the Tinubu Legacy Skills Training Institute in Ibadan, Oyo State. The programme utilises the Accelerated Basic Education curriculum to equip beneficiaries with foundational education and practical skills.

Dr. Idris further revealed that about 200 learning centres for Almajiri and out-of-school children have been established across the country.

He added that the Commission has successfully developed a national policy on Almajiri education and carried out ward-to-ward advocacy campaigns in some states of the federation to promote inclusive education.

The Executive Secretary noted that with improved budgetary allocation, the Commission plans to replicate the Tinubu Legacy Skills Training Institutes in other parts of the country and expand its interventions to reach more beneficiaries.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Alternative Education, Hon. Mustapha Ibrahim, commended the Executive Secretary for the Commission’s achievements. He assured that the Committee would work towards amending the Act establishing the Commission to ensure a sustainable funding source.

Hon. Ibrahim also pledged the Committee’s commitment to enhancing budgetary allocation for the Commission to enable it to effectively deliver on its mandate.

PRESS RELEASE

Nigeria and Ghana Strengthen Partnership as NCAOOSCE Champions Fight Against Out-of-School Children

Nigeria has reinforced its commitment to addressing the challenge of Almajiri and out-of-school children through its participation in the Nigeria–Ghana Learning Exchange on Complementary Basic Education, aimed at strengthening regional collaboration on inclusive education.

The Nigerian delegation was led by the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education (NCAOOSCE), Dr. Muhammad Sani Idris, and engaged with education stakeholders at the national, regional, and municipal levels across Accra and the Northern Region of Ghana, including Tamale, Yendi, and Savelugu.

In Accra, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Ghana Ministry of Education, where they were received by Prof. George Oduro, Technical Adviser to the Honourable Minister of Education. On behalf of the Honourable Minister, he conveyed Ghana’s commitment to regional cooperation, noting that the country’s Complementary Basic Education Programme is anchored on strong leadership, effective coordination by the Complementary Education Agency, collaboration across all levels of government, and active community participation.

The delegation also engaged with the British High Commissioner to Ghana, underscoring the importance of international partnerships.

In the Northern Region, the delegation held engagements in Tamale, including a courtesy visit to the Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Ali Adolf John, and conducted field-level learning in Yendi and Savelugu Municipalities.

In Yendi, they were received by the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Muniru Sugri, while in Savelugu, they met with the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Alhassan Fuseini, highlighting the role of municipal leadership in addressing educational exclusion.

The delegation also visited the Complementary Education Agency (CEA), where they engaged with the Executive Director, Hon. Daniel Kwesi Ashiamah, as well as key civil society partners supporting flexible learning programmes for out-of-school children.

Speaking on the Exchange, Dr. Muhammad Sani Idris said:
“The Exchange has shown how strong leadership, effective coordination, and community ownership can significantly reduce the number of out-of-school children. Ghana’s experience offers practical lessons that will directly strengthen Nigeria’s efforts to expand access to quality, flexible learning for Almajiri and out-of-school children.”

The Exchange was facilitated by the British High Commissions in Abuja and Accra, with support from the British Council, the What Works Hub for Global Education, and the FCDO-funded PLANE Programme.

Nura Muhammad, anipr
SA Media and Communciations to the Executive Secretary/
Spokesperson,
National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education (NCAOOSCE)

10th February, 2026

The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education (NCAOOSCE), Dr. Muhammad Sani Idris, led the Nigeria–Ghana Learning Exchange on Complementary Basic Education on a courtesy visit to the Municipal Chief Executive of the Savelugu Municipal Assembly, Hon. Alhassan Fuseini.

The engagement provided an opportunity for the delegation to gain insights into Ghana’s Complementary Education Programme, particularly as implemented for out-of-school children in Tamale and surrounding communities in the Northern Region of Ghana.

The programme is designed to reach children who are unable to attend formal schooling during the day, allowing them to participate in family livelihood activities while receiving structured learning after regular school hours.

With the consent of parents and guardians, participating children are enrolled without barriers such as compulsory uniforms, school bags, or footwear. This flexible and inclusive model prioritizes access to learning over formality, ensuring that vulnerable children are not excluded due to socio-economic constraints.

The visit underscored the shared commitment of Nigeria and Ghana to advancing inclusive education and strengthening regional collaboration on solutions for out-of-school children.

The learning exchange was facilitated by the British High Commissions in Accra and Abuja, the British Council, the What Works Hub for Global Education, and the FCDO PLANE Programme.

The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education , Dr. Muhammad Sani Idris led the Nigeria–Ghana Learning Exchange on Complementary Basic Education on a courtesy visit to the Municipal Chief Executive of Yendi, Hon. Muniru Sugri.

During the visit, the delegation learned about Ghana’s Complementary Education Programme, which targets out-of-school children in communities on the outskirts of the municipality. With the consent of parents and guardians, children receive lessons after normal school hours, allowing them to participate in family livelihood activities during the day.

The programme is intentionally flexible and inclusive—children are not required to wait for uniforms, school bags, or shoes. The focus is simply on access to education and learning. This approach ensures that no child is excluded because of circumstance.

The visit was facilitated by the British High Commissions in Accra and Abuja, the British Council, the What Works Hub for Global Education, and the FCDO PLANE Programme.

In continuation of the Nigeria–Ghana Learning Exchange on Complementary Basic Education, a Nigerian delegation led by the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education (NCAOOSCE), Dr. Muhammad Sani Idris, paid a courtesy visit to the Northern Regional Minister of Ghana, Hon. Ali Adolf John.

The engagement reaffirmed a shared commitment across national, regional, and municiapal levels of governance, underscoring the importance of collaboration and unity of purpose in tackling the persistent challenge of out-of-school children.

The visit was facilitated by the British High Commissions in Accra and Abuja, the British Council, the What Works Hub for Global Education, and the FCDO PLANE Programme, strengthening cross-border partnerships aimed at advancing inclusive and equitable education for all.