Yobe State Government has launched a robust Almajiri Welfare Package aimed at improving the living and learning conditions of Almajiri children and their teachers across 17 local government areas. The initiative includes health, education, and skill empowerment support under the Yobe State Arabic and Islamic Education Board (AISEB).
Introduction: A New Dawn for Almajiri Education in Yobe State
The Yobe State Government has taken a historic step in reforming the Almajiri education system by unveiling a comprehensive welfare package designed to improve the living conditions, learning environment, and educational quality for Almajiri children and their teachers (Ulamas).
The initiative, officially launched in Damaturu, marks a new era of inclusive education, social welfare, and religious reform in Northern Nigeria. It reflects Governor Mai Mala Buni’s administration’s commitment to human capital development and poverty reduction through quality education.
Overview of the Yobe Almajiri Welfare Package
The welfare programme, spearheaded by the Yobe State Arabic and Islamic Education Board (AISEB), covers 564 Almajiri children and their teachers across all 17 local government areas.
The project aims to:
- Improve the living conditions of Almajiri pupils
- Empower Islamic teachers with modern pedagogical tools
- Promote hygiene, health, and moral discipline
- Integrate skill acquisition into Islamic education
Key Features of the Almajiri Welfare Package
The Yobe Almajiri Welfare Package is a multi-dimensional intervention that provides both educational and welfare support.
📘 Educational Materials and Learning Tools
Each participating Tsangaya school received critical learning items, including:
- 100 learning mats
- 100 mosquito nets
- 1,000 exercise books
- 100 pairs of slippers
- 100 whiteboards and writing tools (Allo)
- 100 food containers and blankets
These resources aim to promote hygiene, comfort, and effective learning for the pupils.
Welfare Support for Teachers and Ulamas
The programme does not leave out the Ulamas (Islamic teachers) who serve as guardians and instructors to Almajiri students. They are receiving:
- Training on modern teaching methods
- Sensitization on hygiene, discipline, and child welfare
- Financial support through state-backed educational grants
This holistic model ensures that teachers are motivated and better equipped to guide students toward academic and moral excellence.
Health, Sanitation, and Infrastructure Support
In addition to providing learning materials, the welfare initiative includes infrastructural development such as:
- Construction of toilets and sanitation facilities
- Boreholes for clean water access
- Shelter renovation for better accommodation
- Provision of mosquito nets to reduce malaria prevalence
By addressing the health and environmental challenges faced by Almajiri children, Yobe State aims to create a safe and dignified learning environment.
Skill Acquisition and Empowerment for Almajiri Pupils
One of the most innovative components of the welfare package is the skill acquisition programme.
At least 200 Almajiri pupils are to be enrolled in vocational and technical training at the Federal Polytechnic, with a progression pathway to diploma-level education.
This initiative bridges the gap between religious education and employability, preparing the children for sustainable livelihoods and reducing street begging.
Governor Mai Mala Buni’s Vision for Inclusive Education
Governor Mai Mala Buni emphasized that the Almajiri welfare programme represents an investment in the future of Yobe State.
According to him:
“These children are not liabilities. They are our future. By investing in their welfare, education, and empowerment, we are investing in a peaceful, prosperous Yobe State.”
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive education, religious tolerance, and poverty eradication through long-term policy reforms.
Why the Almajiri Welfare Programme Matters
1. Social Inclusion and Child Protection
The Almajiri system has often been associated with street begging, poverty, and social exclusion. This welfare package provides a sustainable way to protect vulnerable children and restore their dignity.
2. Educational Advancement
By integrating formal education tools, such as writing materials and teacher training, Yobe is modernizing Islamic education without compromising its spiritual values.
3. Skill Empowerment
Skill development ensures that children grow up w employable abilities, reducing unemployment and dependency rates among youths.
4. Improved Health and Hygiene
The inclusion of boreholes, toilets, and mosquito nets demonstrates that the programme considers the holistic well-being of every child.
Challenges and Sustainability Concerns
While the welfare package is commendable, its long-term success depends on key factors:
- Funding sustainability – Continuous financial backing is required to maintain facilities and training.
- Monitoring and evaluation – Transparent assessment of the programme’s impact is essential.
- Community participation – The success of the initiative relies on the cooperation of Ulamas, parents, and local communities.
- Scaling and replication – Extending the programme beyond the current 564 children will require strong partnerships with NGOs, donors, and federal agencies.
National and Regional Implications
Yobe State’s move could serve as a model for other northern states battling with the challenges of out-of-school children and Almajiri neglect.
It aligns with the Federal Government’s Universal Basic Education goals and contributes to achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education).
States like Kano, Katsina, and Sokoto could learn from Yobe’s inclusive approach that blends Islamic values, modern learning, and child welfare.
Expert Reactions and Public Response
Education experts, religious leaders, and civil society organizations have praised the initiative as a progressive model for educational reform.
Dr. Muhammad Alkali, an Islamic education specialist, lauded the move, saying:
“Yobe’s Almajiri welfare model combines faith, modern education, and human rights — a rare but necessary balance in northern Nigeria.”
Parents and communities across Yobe have also expressed gratitude, noting that the initiative will reduce child suffering, curb street begging, and improve access to education.
Long-Term Vision: Integrating Almajiri Education into Mainstream Schooling
The Yobe State Arabic and Islamic Education Board (AISEB) has revealed plans to gradually integrate the Almajiri curriculum with formal education to ensure pupils can transition to primary and secondary schools.
This move is designed to produce well-rounded students who are literate both in Arabic and English, equipped for academic and professional growth.
Conclusion: A Step Toward a Brighter Future
The Yobe Almajiri Welfare Package stands as a milestone in educational reform and child welfare. By combining education, health, and empowerment, the programme is not just addressing immediate needs—it is reshaping the future of Islamic and formal education in Yobe State.
If properly implemented and monitored, this initiative could become a national blueprint for inclusive education, poverty reduction, and youth empowerment across Northern Nigeria.
