Almajiri commission says controversial projects in 2026 budget are NASS constituency interventions

The National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education (NCAOOSCE) has addressed public concerns regarding projects in its 2026 Appropriation Act that appear outside its statutory mandate. The commission explained that these are National Assembly constituency projects assigned to the agency for execution, a common practice in federal budgeting.

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The clarification became necessary following growing public interest and concerns over the inclusion of projects considered unrelated to its core mandate in the 2026 federal budget.

NCAOOSCE emphasized that all projects assigned to it are lawful responsibilities and will be implemented following existing laws, financial regulations, and procurement procedures. The commission stressed that the inclusion of these projects does not alter its primary focus on reforming the Almajiri education system and tackling the issue of out-of-school children across Nigeria.

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all projects captured in the Appropriation Act and assigned to it constitute lawful implementation responsibilities and would be executed in strict compliance with existing laws, financial regulations and due procurement procedures.

In a statement released Tuesday by spokesperson Nura Muhammad, the commission highlighted its achievements. These include identifying and profiling over 700,000 out-of-school children, establishing 119 learning centers, intensifying community advocacy, and implementing the National Policy on Almajiri Education. The agency reiterated its commitment to improving the lives and futures of vulnerable Nigerian children.

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This donation theft is a very shameful incident for all of us. We all are hurt.

The commission acknowledged the support of the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, in advancing programs aimed at ensuring quality education for all Nigerian children. Addressing the plight of Almajiri and out-of-school children remains NCAOOSCE's foremost priority.

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The country does not need piecemeal resignations. It deserves a complete dissolution and overhaul of the trust, and every one of its members must face an independent, Supreme Court-supervised investigation.