The Federal Government has tightened enforcement measures in Almajiri learning centres nationwide, warning that non-compliance with newly established operational standards will attract sanctions, including closure.
Details of the measures are contained in the National Policy on Enhancement of Almajiri Education in Nigeria, released by the Federal Ministry of Education last month and obtained by newsmen.
The policy covers operations and management of all Almajiri learning centres, males and females, across the country.
At the centre of the policy is a set of mandatory standards that all learning centres must meet or risk suspension after a probation period of three to six months.
The Almajiri system, which dates back several centuries in northern Nigeria, traditionally involves young boys leaving their homes to study the Quran under the guidance of Mallam (Teacher)
Learners often live with their Mallam or in small communal hostels, relying on alms or contributions from the community for food and basic needs.
Overtime, the system has faced widespread of criticism for exposing children to poverty, neglect, street begging, and exclusion from formal education.
-9News Nigeria.
