Over a million children to return to school

The Federal Government has launched a major nationwide initiative aimed at bringing over one million out-of-school children back into formal education.

Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed the plan during the 69th National Council on Education Summit in Akure, Ondo State. The summit, themed “Quality Education Data and Professionalisation of Teaching: Tools for Enhanced National Development,” brought together policymakers and education stakeholders from across the country.

According to Alausa, the scheme targets children aged between six and nine from more than 12,600 communities. Many will be placed in affordable private schools, while others—particularly from northern regions—will be absorbed through collaboration with the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education.

The minister revealed that in the Federal Capital Territory alone, more than 21,000 out-of-school children had recently been identified and transferred to the FCT Education Secretariat for proper enrolment.

As part of the wider effort, 109 learning and transition centres have been established across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT, enabling the registration of over 15,000 learners so far.

To ensure inclusivity, Alausa said the government had developed a hybrid curriculum that merges Qur’anic education with literacy, numeracy, and civic instruction—allowing pupils to benefit from both formal and religious learning.

He also highlighted the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Legacy Skills and Training Institute as a model centre offering practical and employable skills to Almajiri and other out-of-school youths.

Calling on participants at the summit, Alausa urged them to strengthen a data-driven and globally competitive education system that reflects professionalism and inclusivity.