The National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education, NCAOOSCE, has clarified that projects contained in its 2026 Appropriation Act which appear to fall outside its statutory mandate are National Assembly constituency projects assigned to the Commission for implementation in line with established federal budgetary procedures.
The Commission said the projects, which have attracted public scrutiny, were incorporated into the 2026 budget by the National Assembly and allocated to the agency for execution, stressing that the arrangement follows a long-standing practice whereby constituency projects are implemented through Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs.
The Commission’s spokesperson, Nura Muhammad, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, explaining that all projects assigned to the Commission under the Appropriation Act would be executed in strict compliance with extant laws, financial regulations and due procurement processes.
According to the Commission, the implementation of such projects does not alter or expand its statutory responsibilities, reaffirming that its core mandate remains the coordination of national efforts to reform the Almajiri education system and tackle the challenge of out-of-school children across Nigeria.
It said the Commission remains focused on expanding access to quality education, strengthening Almajiri education, supporting state governments and relevant stakeholders, and implementing programmes aimed at improving the lives of millions of vulnerable children.
While highlighting its recent achievements, the Commission said it has successfully identified and profiled more than 700,000 out-of-school children nationwide, established 119 learning centres across the country, sustained ward-to-ward advocacy and community mobilisation campaigns, and continued efforts to implement the National Policy on Almajiri Education to reform the system and address the social challenges associated with it.
The Commission reaffirmed that addressing the plight of Almajiri and out-of-school children remains its foremost priority, adding that it would continue to pursue its mandate with renewed commitment.
It also acknowledged the support of the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, and other stakeholders in advancing programmes aimed at ensuring every Nigerian child has access to quality education and the opportunity to realise his or her full potential.
