The Federal Government has disclosed that over 500,000 almajiri and more than 20 million out-of-school children are spread across the country.
Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education, Dr Muhammad Sani Idris, made the disclosure when and his team paid the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin 1, a courtesy visit, on Thursday.
This was as the Olubadan raised the alarm, warning that the issues of almajiri and out-of-school children as a ticking time-bomb that may explode, if not attended to.
The foremost Ibadan traditional ruler further stated that the two social problems have become national issues deserving urgent attention by relevant government authorities and their agencies.
Speaking through High Chief Akeem Bolaji Adewoyin (Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland), Oba Olakulehin said: “The issue of almajiri and out-of-school children is a time-bomb that can explode any time, if necessary steps are not taking.
“To combat this menace, traditional, cultural and religious approaches should be taken to overcome this anti-developmental malaise and security risk before it gets out of hand.”
Earlier in his address, the Executive Secretary of National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School children Education, Dr Idris, expressed his gratitude for the warm reception accorded the members of the commission during the visit.
He said: “the Olubadan of Ibadanland is not just an Imperial Majesty over Ibadanland but a well-recognised and respected monarch all over Nigeria.
“President Bola Tinubu directed me to visit you as one of the paramount rulers in the country to use your influence to reduce the number of almajiri and out-of-school children if not totally eradicated.
“This was so as to stop them from joining the deadly Boko Haram group recruiting them into their fold on daily basis.
“Over 500,000 almajiri and 20 million plus out-of-school children are spread over our nation. We therefore should meaningfully engage to discourage them from various criminal activities.”
He appealed to traditional rulers, through the Olubadan, to join hands with the three tiers of government to combat the threat of almajiri and out-of-school children to quality life in Nigeria.
The National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education boss also urged parents and guardians to ensure proper education of, not only their children, but other children around them for a better Nigeria.
