Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has expressed deep concern over the growing issue of Almajiri and out-of-school children in Nigeria, describing it as a “national challenge” that demands urgent attention.
The governor made this remark on Thursday while receiving members of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
According to Abiodun, the situation represents a “volcano waiting to erupt,” as these children could easily be exploited to destabilize the country if left unchecked.
He highlighted that the sheer number of out-of-school children in the country is alarming and presents a serious threat to national stability.
“The issue of Almajiri is not limited to any one region; it is a national crisis. This is a conversation I have had with the National Security Adviser, and we outlined actionable steps—immediate, medium, and long-term—aimed at addressing this issue comprehensively. I see it as a dormant volcano, one that may appear quiet now, but is highly active and could erupt if not handled properly,” Abiodun emphasized.
Reflecting on recent protests, Governor Abiodun noted that many of the participants, particularly from the northern part of the country, were Almajiri children.
“These children had no idea why they were protesting. Some were even waving Russian flags, completely unaware of the symbolism. They were merely tools in the hands of those who could easily manipulate them for a meal or some trivial reward. This is a sad and dangerous trend, a reflection of years of neglect,” he said.
Abiodun also stated that addressing this challenge will not only stabilize the country but could also become one of the most significant legacies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He assured that governors across the country are prepared to replicate initiatives at the state level to ensure the issue is tackled holistically.
