‎By Rosemary Ogbonna

‎The National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education (NCAOOSCE) has clarified that projects contained in its 2026 Appropriation Act that appear to fall outside its statutory mandate are constituency projects allocated to the Commission by the National Assembly for implementation.

‎In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commission said the projects formed part of the approved 2026 federal budget under the long-established practice of assigning constituency projects to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for execution.

‎According to the Commission, all projects captured in the Appropriation Act and assigned to it will be implemented in accordance with extant laws, financial regulations and due procurement processes.

‎It, however, stressed that the inclusion of such projects does not alter its statutory responsibilities, noting that its primary mandate remains the coordination of national efforts to reform the Almajiri education system and address the challenge of out-of-school children.

‎The Commission said it remains committed to expanding access to quality education, strengthening Almajiri education, supporting state governments and other stakeholders, and implementing programmes aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable children across the country.

‎Highlighting its achievements, NCAOOSCE disclosed that it has identified and profiled more than 700,000 out-of-school children nationwide, established 119 learning centres, and sustained ward-to-ward advocacy and community mobilisation campaigns.

‎It added that it is also pursuing the full implementation of the National Policy on Almajiri Education to reform the system and tackle the social challenges associated with it.

‎The Commission reaffirmed that addressing the plight of Almajiri and out-of-school children remains its top priority.

‎It also acknowledged the support of the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, and other stakeholders, pledging to continue implementing programmes that will ensure every Nigerian child has access to quality education and opportunities to realise his or her full potential.