The National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education has defended the controversial projects listed in its 2026 budget.
The commission said the projects are constituency interventions and were not meant to replace its core education mandate. It explained that such items are often added during the budget process by lawmakers.
The debate began after reports showed that the commission had budgeted billions of naira for road construction and other projects outside its main responsibility. These included roads, solar street lights, ambulances and dental equipment in some states.
The commission was created to help reduce the number of out of school children and support Almajiri education. Critics say the new projects do not align with that role and could weaken the agency’s main mission.
Supporters of the budget description argue that constituency projects are common in the system and are usually linked to local needs in different communities. They say the projects may still benefit residents even if they are not directly tied to education.
The controversy has renewed calls for more transparency in the budget process and clearer limits on what agencies should fund. Many observers say public money should remain focused on the purpose for which each agency was created.
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Almajiri commission says projects are constituency interventions
The National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education has defended the controversial projects listed in its 2026 budget. The commission said the projects are constituency interventions and were not meant to replace its core education mandate. It explained that such items are often added during the budget process by lawmakers. The debate began after reports showed that the commission had budgeted billions of naira for road construction and other projects outside its main responsibility. These included roads, solar street lights, ambulances and dental equipment in some states. The commission was created to help reduce the number of out of school children and support Almajiri education. Critics say the new projects do not align with that role and could weaken the agency’s main mission. Supporters of the budget description argue that constituency projects are common in the system and are […]
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