The Federal Government has warned that Almajiri learning centres across Nigeria risk closure if they fail to meet new operational standards aimed at improving the welfare and education of children in the system.
The new directive is contained in the National Policy on the Enhancement of Almajiri Education, recently released by the Federal Ministry of Education. The policy introduces strict rules that all Almajiri centres must follow, with a probation period of three to six months for compliance.
Officials say any centre that fails to meet the standards after this period may face sanctions, including being shut down.
The reforms will be implemented by the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education, which has been tasked with regulating the system and ensuring that learning centres operate in line with national guidelines.
A key part of the new policy is the requirement for all Almajiri learning centres to register with relevant authorities at the state or local government level. Operators must also keep detailed records of their students, including biometric data, to improve monitoring and accountability.
The government says this measure will help track learners, reduce abuse, and ensure that children are not lost within the system.
In addition, learning centres are expected to submit regular reports and allow inspections by government officials. Authorities say this will help close gaps that have allowed poor practices to continue for years.
“Any learning centre that fails to comply with the provisions of this policy shall be given a probation period of three to six months; thereafter, appropriate action shall be taken,” the policy stated.
One of the most important changes in the new framework is the ban on street begging by Almajiri children. For decades, it has been common to see young boys roaming the streets in many northern cities, asking for money or food.
The government says this practice is no longer acceptable and will attract sanctions.
“Any registered learning centre that sends learners out to beg shall face appropriate action,” the policy warned.
This move is seen as a direct response to long-standing criticism of the Almajiri system, which many say exposes children to danger, exploitation, and poor living conditions.
The new policy also introduces minimum welfare requirements for learners. According to the guidelines, children must have basic items before they can be enrolled in any Almajiri centre.
These include at least three sets of clothing, two pairs of shoes, eating utensils, and writing materials where necessary.
The government has also made it compulsory for both learners and teachers to undergo regular medical checks at approved public health facilities. Centres are required to link up with nearby healthcare providers and maintain basic first aid kits.
Officials say these steps are necessary to protect the health and dignity of children, many of whom have been living in poor conditions.
For the first time, clear age limits have been introduced for Almajiri education. Day learners must be between four and 18 years old, while boarding facilities are restricted to children aged 12 to 18.
Adult learners are to be separated from children during lessons.
The policy also requires learning centres to follow approved academic calendars and open their activities to supervision by government authorities at all levels.
To improve learning outcomes, the government has directed that literacy and numeracy be included in the Almajiri curriculum. This means that, in addition to religious studies, children will now receive basic education in reading, writing, and mathematics.
The policy also encourages the introduction of digital skills for both learners and teachers, in line with modern educational standards.
According to government data, Nigeria has one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children in the world, with a large percentage found in the northern region where the Almajiri system is widely practiced.
The policy sets minimum standards for infrastructure in learning centres. For example, there must be at least one toilet for every 25 learners, access to clean water, and proper ventilation in classrooms.
In addition, the government has introduced gender-sensitive measures. Learning spaces must be separated for male and female students to ensure safety and proper learning conditions.
Authorities say these requirements are designed to create a more structured and safe environment for children.
The Almajiri system has existed for centuries in northern Nigeria. Traditionally, young boys leave their homes to study the Quran under the guidance of a teacher, often referred to as a Mallam.
In the past, communities supported these children by providing food and basic needs. However, over time, the system has changed, with many learners now forced to fend for themselves through street begging.
This shift has led to widespread criticism from rights groups and education experts, who say the system often exposes children to poverty, neglect, and lack of formal education.
Previous attempts to reform the Almajiri system have faced many challenges. Programmes introduced by agencies such as the Universal Basic Education Commission and the National Commission for Nomadic Education aimed to integrate formal education into the system.
However, these efforts were limited by poor funding, weak enforcement, and, in some areas, resistance from communities who see the system as part of their cultural and religious heritage.
As a result, many of the problems linked to the Almajiri system have continued.
Officials say the new policy is not meant to take over Almajiri schools but to regulate them and ensure that children receive proper care and education.
They argue that stricter enforcement is necessary to protect vulnerable children and address the growing number of out-of-school youths in the country.
“The sanctions regime is designed to compel adherence and eliminate exploitative practices,” a government official said.
Education advocates have welcomed the move but stress that success will depend on consistent implementation and support from communities.
The new policy represents one of the strongest attempts in recent years to reform the Almajiri system. However, its impact will depend on how well it is enforced across states and local governments.
For many Nigerians, especially in the North, the reforms could mark a turning point in addressing child welfare, education and social development.