NCAOOSCE Clarifies Controversial 2026 Budget Projects, Says Constituency Items Assigned By NASS.

The National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education (NCAOOSCE) has clarified reports on projects contained in its 2026 Appropriation Act that appear to fall outside its statutory mandate, explaining that they are National Assembly constituency projects assigned to the Commission for implementation.

In a statement issued by the Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the Executive Secretary, Nura Muhammad, the Commission said the projects were incorporated into the 2026 Appropriation Act in line with the established budgetary practice of assigning constituency projects to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for execution.

The Commission stated that, as part of the duly enacted federal budget, all projects assigned to it form part of its implementation responsibilities and will be executed in accordance with extant laws, financial regulations and due procurement processes.

NCAOOSCE, however, stressed that the inclusion of the projects does not alter its statutory mandate.

According to the Commission, its primary responsibility remains coordinating national efforts to reform the Almajiri education system and address the challenge of out-of-school children through policies and programmes that expand access to quality education.

It said it remains committed to strengthening Almajiri education, supporting states and key stakeholders, and implementing initiatives that improve the lives and future of millions of vulnerable children across the country.

The Commission highlighted some of its achievements, including the identification and profiling of more than 700,000 out-of-school children nationwide, the establishment of 119 learning centres across the country, sustained ward-to-ward advocacy and community mobilisation, and ongoing implementation of the National Policy on Almajiri aimed at reforming the system and tackling associated social challenges.

Reaffirming its commitment to its core mandate, NCAOOSCE said addressing the plight of Almajiri and out-of-school children remains its foremost priority.

The Commission also acknowledged the support of the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, and other stakeholders, pledging to continue efforts to ensure every Nigerian child has access to quality education and the opportunity to realise his or her full potential.