Distribution of learning materials to Almajiri children begins in Yobe
The Yobe State Government has flagged off the distribution of learning materials and welfare items to Almajiri children and Islamiya schools across the state.
Dr. Mal Umar Abubakar, Executive Secretary, Arabic and Islamic Education Board (AISEB), said the intervention was part of efforts to provide a safe and structured learning environment for vulnerable children.
Speaking at the ceremony in Damaturu on Thursday, Abubakar commended Gov. Mai Mala Buni for his commitment to Arabic and Islamic education, as well as for prioritising the welfare of Almajiri and Islamiya schools.
He said the materials to be distributed include 20,000 mats, 2,200 mosquito nets, 3,500 food dishes, 3,000 shoes, 30,000 textbooks, 2,000 reading materials, 10 sewing machines and one grasscutter machine.
“These items reflect government’s resolve to give every child, regardless of background, access to quality education and basic necessities of life,” Abubakar said.
He listed some of AISEB’s achievements to include enrolment of thousands of Almajiri children into the Yobe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, surgical operations for more than 35 children, and feeding programmes for 1,600 beneficiaries.
Other achievements, according to him, were the hosting of Qur’anic recitation competitions, construction of toilets in Islamiya schools, provision of Sallah clothes and shoes to 850 children, and scholarships for 32 promising students.
He said the board also introduced skill acquisition programmes, teacher training, and sanitation initiatives, alongside partnerships with local organisations to integrate formal and informal education for Almajiri and nomadic children.
The executive secretary, however, noted that challenges remained, particularly street begging, inadequate infrastructure and insufficient learning resources.
He appealed for further support from government, development partners and philanthropists to provide water facilities, additional classrooms, medical care, nutritious meals, and permanent school structures.
“Together, we can build a future where every Almajiri child has the opportunity to learn, grow and contribute positively to the development of Yobe and Nigeria at large,” he said.
Some pupils, including Iklima Isah from Nuruddeen Islamic School and Muhammad Alhassan from Madarasatul Tarbiyatul Islamiyya, Damaturu, expressed appreciation to the state government for the gesture.
They prayed for more support to improve the welfare and education of Almajiri children across the state.
