The Federal Government is advancing plans to integrate digital education into Nigeria’s Almajiri system, in a move to address the country’s rising population of out-of-school children through technology-driven learning and skills development.
The initiative is being driven through a collaboration between the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education (NCAOOSCE), following a recent high-level engagement at NITDA headquarters in Abuja, according to a statement by the tech agency, NITDA.
Muhammad Sani Idris, Executive Secretary of NCAOOSCE, says the Almajiri system is facing deep-rooted structural challenges affecting children’s welfare and access to education.
According to him, these challenges include parental abdication of responsibility, widespread street begging, vulnerability to exploitation, and the growing number of out-of-school children across the country.
Idris called for stronger institutional collaboration to reposition the system through digital education and structured skills acquisition.
“He requested NITDA’s collaboration to transform the system through digital education and skills acquisition,” the Commission says in a statement.
In response, Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of NITDA, proposed the deployment of the agency’s Digital Literacy for All initiative through existing Almajiri structures.
The strategy, according to Inuwa, will leverage members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as digital literacy champions, integrate technology training into Almajiri learning centres, and establish digital hubs to deliver basic to advanced digital skills.
Both agencies say the framework is designed to bridge learning gaps and expand access to modern competencies for vulnerable children who are currently outside the formal education system.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to using technology as a tool for inclusive education and national development, announcing the establishment of a joint implementation committee to coordinate the rollout of the programme.
The collaboration reflects a broader shift in Nigeria’s education policy, where digital literacy is increasingly being positioned as a strategic instrument for tackling exclusion and youth vulnerability.
Nigeria continues to grapple with one of the largest out-of-school children populations globally, driven by poverty, insecurity in parts of Northern Nigeria, and systemic barriers to formal education. The Almajiri system, historically rooted in traditional Islamic learning, has in recent years become associated with street begging and heightened child vulnerability, particularly in urban centres.
The proposed intervention signals a transition from welfare-based responses to a more structured, skills-driven model, where technology serves as both an educational platform and an empowerment tool.
However, stakeholders acknowledge that implementation will require addressing key constraints, including funding, infrastructure readiness, training capacity, and connectivity challenges in underserved communities.
The newly constituted joint committee is expected to define operational guidelines, deployment frameworks, and scale-up pathways for the initiative.
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s performance in office, telling Ekiti voters that the governor came into leadership fully prepared to serve the people.
Speaking ahead of the June 20 governorship election, Tinubu urged residents to re-elect Oyebanji for a second term.
The endorsement came on Tuesday at the All Progressives Congress mega rally in Ado-Ekiti. The venue was packed with party faithful, allies from other political groups, and supporters across religious and ethnic lines, all showing solidarity with Oyebanji’s re-election bid.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu praised Ekiti citizens for their loyalty to the APC over the years.
He described the state as fortunate to have Oyebanji at the helm of affairs, noting that the governor’s actions and policies prove that true leadership is about serving people, not oppressing them or undermining their rights.
Tinubu highlighted Oyebanji’s humility, patience, and respect for traditional rulers and past leaders, pointing out the absence of opposition posters across the state as a sign of Oyebanji’s wide acceptance.
“On Saturday, go out and re-elect this humble and peaceful man to further serve you better,” Shettima said on Tinubu’s behalf. The President then symbolically handed Oyebanji over to former governors and first ladies, urging them to secure victory for him.
Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council and Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, described Oyebanji’s popularity as electrifying.
Chairman of the APC Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, said the party’s visibility in Ekiti was unmatched. He noted that only the APC had campaigned market to market and house to house.
APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwadta, insisted the party’s confidence was rooted in Oyebanji’s connection to the people, not just in being the ruling party.
A visibly elated Governor Oyebanji, joined by his wife Dr Olayemi Oyebanji and Deputy Monisade Afuye, said he was not relying on federal might but on his record and the promises he kept since 2022.
He appealed for a peaceful election and promised that his second term would surpass the achievements of the last three and a half years.
Scottish Premiership club Aberdeen have secured the permanent signing of London-born Nigerian striker Toyosi Olusanya, with the forward committing his future to the club on a two-year contract after an impressive loan spell.
Sports247 reports that the 28-year-old joins the Dons as a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Major League Soccer side Houston Dynamo. His arrival marks another key addition to manager Stephen Robinson’s rebuilding project ahead of the new season.
Olusanya spent the second half of the previous campaign on loan at Aberdeen, where he quickly adapted to life in Scottish football.
During his stint, he made 18 appearances across all competitions and contributed three goal involvements, earning the confidence of the coaching staff and convincing the club to pursue a permanent deal.
The striker’s work rate, physical presence, and attacking versatility made him a valuable option during his loan spell, and Aberdeen will be hoping he can build on that foundation as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming Premiership campaign.
His signing represents the fifth addition to Robinson’s squad during the summer transfer window as the club continues to strengthen its roster with an eye on domestic success and improved performances across all competitions.
Born in London and eligible to represent Nigeria, Olusanya has enjoyed a career spanning English football and Major League Soccer before making the move north of the border.
The permanent transfer offers him the opportunity to continue his development in a familiar environment after settling into the team during his loan period.
For Aberdeen, retaining a player who already understands the club’s style and expectations provides continuity as they reshape the squad for the new season.
Supporters will be eager to see the Nigerian forward translate his promising displays into consistent goals and assists over the course of the campaign.
With his future now secured at Pittodrie, Olusanya begins the next chapter of his career aiming to establish himself as a key figure in Aberdeen’s attack and help the club compete strongly in the Scottish Premiership.