Almajiri commission: Projects outside our mandate in 2026 budget are constituency projects
The National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education (NCAOOSCE) has clarified that projects in its 2026 appropriation outside its statutory mandate are constituency projects assigned to it for implementation through the federal budget.
The clarification follows public interest generated by reports highlighting projects in the commission’s 2026 budget that appear unrelated to its core responsibilities.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the commission said the projects were incorporated into the 2026 Appropriation Act as national assembly constituency projects, in line with the longstanding practice of assigning such projects to ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) for implementation.
The commission said every project allocated to it under the appropriation law forms part of its implementation responsibilities and would be executed in accordance with existing laws, financial regulations and due procurement processes.
NCAOOSCE stressed that the inclusion of the projects does not alter its statutory mandate.
The commission said it remains focused on coordinating national efforts to reform the Almajiri system of education and tackle the challenge of out-of-school children by expanding access to quality education, strengthening Almajiri education and supporting states and other stakeholders.
According to the commission, it has already identified and profiled more than 700,000 out-of-school children across the country, established 119 learning centres nationwide, and sustained ward-to-ward advocacy and community mobilisation.
It added that efforts are also ongoing to fully implement the National Policy on Almajiri to reform the system and address the social challenges associated with it.
The commission reiterated that addressing the plight of Almajiri and out-of-school children remains its foremost priority.
It also pledged to continue pursuing its core mandate with the support of Tunji Alausa, minister of education, Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, minister of state for education, and other stakeholders.
“The commission remains fully committed to delivering on its statutory mandate and ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to quality education and the opportunity to realise his or her full potential,” the statement added.
