North-East Governors Launch Offices to Tackle Almajiri, Out-of-School Children Crisis

Governors of Nigeria’s North-East region have announced a new initiative to tackle the growing crisis of Almajiri and out-of-school children by setting up dedicated offices in each of the six states in the zone.

The resolution was made at the 11th North-East Governors’ Forum meeting held on May 1 in Damaturu, Yobe State.

The forum, which includes governors from Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe states, pledged to work closely with the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education (NCAOOSCE). Each state will establish a permanent office to coordinate efforts toward enrolling Almajiri children and other out-of-school youth into formal education systems.

The initiative aims to provide holistic support through educational inclusion, vocational and technical training, and socio-economic empowerment. This marks a significant policy shift in the region’s response to the Almajiri system, a centuries-old Islamic learning tradition that has come under criticism for contributing to street begging and child neglect.

Reading the communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State emphasized the urgency of a comprehensive approach to regional development. “While we continue to strengthen security in the region, we must go beyond military solutions. Addressing the root causes of insecurity—including youth unemployment, poor infrastructure, and lack of education—is key to lasting peace,” he said.

The governors also raised concerns over the resurgence of insurgent activities in some parts of the North-East. They called for a reassessment of counter-insurgency strategies and urged increased collaboration between the Armed Forces, intelligence services, and local communities.

The forum noted that the region’s security challenges are deeply intertwined with poverty and a lack of educational opportunities.

In line with efforts to strengthen education, the forum also resolved to support the Nigerian Law School, Yola Campus. Plans include the construction of additional hostels, improved water supply, and enhanced infrastructure to raise the institution’s capacity and improve learning conditions.

This initiative comes at a time when Nigeria faces one of the highest rates of out-of-school children globally, with UNICEF estimating over 10 million Nigerian children are not in school—many of them in the North-East.

The governors expressed optimism that the new offices would facilitate better coordination with federal agencies and development partners, enabling targeted interventions to rescue vulnerable children and reintegrate them into productive societal roles.

The next meeting of the North-East Governors’ Forum is scheduled for July 27–29, 2025, in Jalingo, Taraba State, where the governors are expected to review progress on this initiative and explore further avenues for regional cooperation and development.

This move is widely seen as a strategic turning point in the North-East’s efforts to transition from crisis management to long-term human capital development and social stability.