Kaduna State Unveils Bold Plan to Reform Almajiri Education System

The Kaduna State Government has rolled out a comprehensive strategy to reform the Almajiri education system, aiming to integrate thousands of out-of-school children into mainstream learning.

This announcement was made in a communiqué released at the end of the Kaduna International Education Summit, EduPACT 2025. The summit gathered key stakeholders to chart a new course for the state's education sector.

Speaking at the summit, Commissioner for Education, Professor Abubakar Sambo, outlined the government’s new direction—blending Qur’anic education with essential 21st-century skills like literacy, numeracy, digital literacy, and vocational training.

The state plans to dismantle systemic barriers to Almajiri integration, including mandatory school uniforms, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) levies, and social stigma, all of which have previously discouraged enrolment.

“The current Almajiri model is outdated and exclusionary,” the communiqué stated. “We must ensure these children are no longer left behind. They deserve a future shaped by opportunity, not poverty or neglect.”

Religious leaders will play a key role in advocating the reformed system, using their influence to encourage community acceptance and parental support.

The summit, themed “Strategic Visioning for Educational Transformation: Developing the Kaduna State Education Model,” also called for the creation of a Kaduna State Education Reform Council. The proposed body would coordinate educational initiatives among key agencies, such as the State Universal Basic Education Board, the Teachers’ Service Board, and the Ministry of Education, ensuring the success of Almajiri education reforms.

In a related development, the state unveiled a ₦440 billion roadmap to revitalise Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) across Kaduna. The plan will be driven by public-private partnerships, apprenticeship schemes, skills hubs, and centres of excellence aimed at equipping youth—including Almajiri children—with job-ready, marketable skills.

“TVET is more than skill acquisition; it’s about empowerment, mobility, and reducing crime,” Prof. Sambo noted. “We must align our efforts with 21st-century demands.”

Stakeholders urged the government to dedicate at least 15% of the education budget to TVET and invest in digital infrastructure, smart classrooms, and AI-powered learning tools, particularly in underserved areas.

Other key recommendations included:

• Fast-tracking teacher recruitment,

• Conducting regular skills assessments,

• Strengthening School-Based Management Committees, and

• Prioritising inclusive education for children with disabilities.

The summit was hosted in collaboration with the UK Government through the FCDO’s PLANE programme. Development partners included UNICEF, the World Bank’s AGILE project, British Council, Save the Children, Malala Fund, Miva University, Islamic Development Bank (through the ROOSC Project), and Education as a Vaccine.

Victor Lubeck, Deputy Country Director of Save the Children Nigeria, praised the government’s focus on marginalised groups, stating, “No child should be left behind in the pursuit of quality education.”

UNICEF representative, Blessing Nwafor, added that policy efforts must translate into tangible actions. “Bridging the gap between plans and execution is essential if Kaduna is to meet its education goals.”

The reform initiative signals a strong commitment by the Kaduna State Government to build a more inclusive and equitable educational future for all children.