In a decisive move aimed at addressing the long-standing challenges of education in Northern Nigeria, the Federal Government has revealed plans to reclaim control of the Almajiri schools. These institutions, established during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, were originally handed over to governors of the 19 Northern states but have since fallen into neglect.
The announcement, made via Nigerian Stories’ official X handle, signals the government’s renewed commitment to tackling the systemic educational disparities in the region. The Almajiri school initiative, once heralded as a groundbreaking effort to provide quality education to millions of underprivileged children, has suffered years of abandonment, leaving many of the facilities in a state of disrepair.
According to sources within the government, the decision to retake control stems from mounting concerns over the alarming state of education in the North. Many of the Almajiri schools, designed to integrate modern education with Islamic teachings, have failed to fulfill their purpose due to lack of maintenance, inadequate funding, and poor oversight by state authorities.
“This is a critical intervention to salvage the future of millions of Nigerian children,” a senior official remarked. “The Federal Government is determined to breathe new life into these schools and ensure they serve the purpose for which they were originally established.”
Education advocates have welcomed the move, emphasizing the importance of addressing the high rate of out-of-school children in the North, which remains one of the highest in the world. They argue that a revitalized Almajiri school system could provide a lifeline for countless children currently trapped in poverty and unable to access basic education.
The decision has also reignited debates about the role of state and federal governments in education policy. Critics accuse the Northern governors of neglecting their responsibilities, allowing the schools to become symbols of failed governance. In response, some state governments have cited financial constraints and shifting priorities as reasons for the abandonment.
As the Federal Government begins the process of reclaiming the Almajiri schools, it faces the dual challenge of rebuilding the infrastructure and restoring public trust in the initiative. The success of this effort will depend heavily on sustained funding, effective management, and collaboration with stakeholders, including religious and community leaders.
This bold step underscores the administration’s recognition of education as a cornerstone for national development. Nigerians will be watching closely to see whether the Federal Government can transform these abandoned institutions into beacons of hope for the region’s most vulnerable children.
Stay tuned for updates on this critical development as efforts to revitalize the Almajiri schools unfold.
PIONEER NEWS 