FG SET TO TAKE CHARGE OF 157 ABANDONED ALMAJIRI SCHOOLS
Read Time:1 Minute, 52 Second
The Federal Government has announced plans to regain control of Almajiri schools set up under former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. These schools were transferred to the governors of the 19 Northern states but have been neglected since then.
This information was shared by Idris Sani, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Commission, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All in Yola, Adamawa State, on Wednesday.
Sani mentioned that the commission is focused on rehabilitating these schools and ensuring they fulfill their original purpose.
He stated, “I have directed my Chief of Staff to conclude arrangements for the takeover of 157 Almajiri schools in the country, built by former President Goodluck Jonathan, which were abandoned by successive administrations in the country.
“We have also applied to the Federal Government to help us rehabilitate them for the take-off of normal academic activities in our quest to tackle the challenges of Almajiri and out-of-school children in the country.”
He stressed the need for a collaborative approach to tackle the Almajiri and out-of-school children issue, pointing out that the commission is working with the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies to assign staff to the rehabilitated schools because of their large numbers.
The National Coordinator of CSACEFA and Policy Advisor, Odinaka Chimbama, emphasized their dedication to helping the commission reduce the number of children not attending school in Nigeria.
Chimbama also expressed worry about inadequate funding in the education sector, urging both the federal and state governments to increase the education budget to align with UNESCO’s recommended range of 15-20%.
“Any nation that wants to develop must invest in education, but unfortunately in Nigeria, even the little being budgeted to the sector is not accounted for or properly utilized,” she said.
Chimbama further called for transparency and accountability in the disbursement and use of education funds.
She noted, “Our work is to support government programs and policies, build the capacities of our members to hold the government accountable in education programs and policies, support the government in developing education policies, and ensure these policies are implemented.”
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0