The National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education (NCAOOSCE) has formally transferred 22,307 out-of-school children to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Ministry of Education for enrollment in schools. The handover ceremony took place on Friday in Abuja, with the Executive Secretary of the commission, Muhammad Idris, urging the FCT Education Secretariat to ensure the children are enrolled across the territory’s educational institutions.
The children were identified and removed from the streets of the six area councils of the FCT in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to address the issue of out-of-school children nationwide. Idris emphasized that the effort marks the beginning of a nationwide initiative targeting the removal of 10 million out-of-school children from the streets.
“This administration is committed to ensuring that out-of-school children are returned to the classroom. The President has directed that everyone plays their part to achieve this goal. Nigerians must no longer neglect their responsibilities, leaving children to roam the streets, where many fall prey to criminal activities such as banditry and terrorism,” Idris stated.
He commended FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for his support and called on other state governments to replicate similar efforts. Idris further revealed plans to extend the initiative across all 36 states in the coming months, targeting vulnerable children for reintegration into the educational system.
Receiving the children, the FCT Mandate Secretary for Education, Danlami Hayyo, expressed the territory’s commitment to addressing barriers to education and ensuring all children, regardless of their background, receive equal access to quality education.
“This moment signifies a pivotal step for these young learners and for us as policymakers and stakeholders. The FCT administration has always prioritized quality education for all and will continue to do so with greater resolve,” Hayyo remarked.
This initiative underscores the government’s resolve to tackle the issue of out-of-school children as a critical step toward national development and security.
