By Felix Khanoba
The National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education (NCAOOSCE) has dismissed concerns over the inclusion of projects outside its statutory responsibilities in the 2026 Appropriation Act, explaining that such projects are constituency interventions allocated by the National Assembly for implementation through the Commission.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commission said the projects in question should not be interpreted as a departure from its legal mandate, stressing that they form part of the federal budget implementation process through which Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) execute constituency projects approved by the National Assembly.
“The Commission wishes to clarify that these projects are National Assembly constituency projects incorporated into the 2026 Appropriation Act for implementation through the Commission. This is in line with the long-standing budgetary practice under which constituency projects are assigned to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for execution through the Appropriation Act,” the statement signed by Nura Muhammad – Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the Executive Secretary of NCAOOSCE, said.
According to the Commission, every project captured in the Appropriation Act and assigned to it will be implemented in accordance with relevant laws, financial regulations and established procurement procedures.
It, however, maintained that its primary responsibility remains the reform of the Almajiri education system and tackling the growing number of out-of-school children across the country.
“The Commission, however, wishes to reassure Nigerians that its statutory mandate remains unchanged. Established to coordinate national efforts towards reforming the Almajiri system of education and addressing the challenge of out-of-school children, NCAOOSCE remains firmly committed to expanding access to quality education, strengthening Almajiri education, supporting states and other critical stakeholders, and implementing programmes that directly improve the lives and future of millions of vulnerable children across the country.”
Highlighting its achievements, the Commission said it has identified and profiled more than 700,000 out-of-school children nationwide, established 119 learning centres, intensified community mobilisation through ward-level advocacy and continued efforts to implement the National Policy on Almajiri education to reform the system and address associated social challenges.
“The Commission further reassures the public that it will continue to pursue its core mandate with renewed vigour. This commitment is already evident in the successful identification and profiling of over 700,000 out-of-school children across the country, the establishment of 119 learning centres nationwide, sustained ward-to-ward advocacy and community mobilisation, as well as ongoing efforts to ensure the full implementation of the National Policy on Almajiri aimed at reforming the system and eliminating the social vices associated with it.”
The Commission reaffirmed that improving access to education for Almajiri and out-of-school children remains its highest priority, while acknowledging the support of the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, and other stakeholders.
“The Commission reiterates that addressing the plight of Almajiri and out-of-school children remains its foremost priority. With the continued support of the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa; the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad; and other critical stakeholders, NCAOOSCE 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.”
