IN a decisive move to combat the growing challenge of out-of-school children, Jigawa State has launched a statewide campaign aimed at revitalizing the Almajiri education system and reintegrating marginalized children into formal and non-formal education structures.
The flag-off ceremony for the campaign took place in the state capital, Dutse, under the auspices of the Jigawa State Advocacy Committee for the Revitalization of Almajiri and Out-of-School Children.
The event was formally launched by the Emir of Dutse, His Royal Highness Alhaji Muhammad Hamim Nuhu Sanusi, who was represented by Turakin Dutse, Alhaji Jamilu Basiru Sanusi.
The committee’s chairman, Malam Abdullahi Yunusa, highlighted the urgent need for community sensitization, public awareness, and policy reform to address the high number of children who remain outside the educational system.
According to Yunusa, the campaign aligns with the objectives of the National Commission on Almajiri and Tsangaya Education and aims to implement strategies that will lead to significant improvements in access to education for children across Jigawa and Nigeria at large.
To ensure effective implementation and community-level engagement, the committee has established five-member subcommittees in each of the state’s three senatorial zones. These subcommittees are made up of traditional rulers, Islamic scholars (Ulamas), and civil society representatives.
Their role is to drive the campaign at the grassroots level, spreading awareness and facilitating collaboration between communities and the government.
Citing data from UNICEF, Malam Yunusa expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s standing as the country with the highest number of out-of-school children globally. As of 2018, over 10 million children in Nigeria were out of school, with the northern region bearing the largest burden.
“In every five out-of-school children globally, one is from Nigeria, and the majority of them are from the North,” Yunusa said, calling for an urgent and united response to reverse the trend.
Also speaking at the event, the Chief Imam of Hadejia, Malam Yusuf Abdulrahman, called on the government to formally recognize and support Tsangaya teachers (Alarammas) by placing them on the government payroll.
He also recommended providing them with training in modern educational management practices to improve the quality of Qur’anic education.
Sa’in Dutse, Malam Mahmud Yunus, echoed similar concerns, describing the current state of out-of-school children in Jigawa as “alarming.”
He emphasized the need for a multi-sectoral and inclusive approach, warning that failure to address the problem could lead to long-term social and economic consequences for the state.
The campaign reflects the Jigawa State Government’s commitment to addressing one of the most pressing educational and social issues in the region, with hopes that the model will be adopted and expanded nationwide.
