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From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
A technology firm, New Horizons Nigeria, has rolled out a N50 million empowerment programme to train Almajiri children in practical computer and electronics skills, in a bold move to tackle youth unemployment and street begging.
The initiative, tagged Almajiri-to-Tech, was unveiled in Abuja on Monday and is designed to transform 21 Almajiri children into skilled computer technicians within 90 days.
Under the fully funded programme, beneficiaries will receive free technical training, daily meals, clothing, tools, water and logistics support throughout the training period.
Speaking at the launch, Chief Executive Officer of New Horizons Nigeria, Mr Tim Akano, said the programme was aimed at restoring the original essence of the Almajiri system, which he described as a quest for knowledge and skills.
“The word Almajiri comes from an Arabic term meaning emigrant and seeker of knowledge. Originally, these children were sent to learn morals, responsibility and skills to add value to society,” Akano said.
He blamed colonial disruption for turning the system into a social problem, forcing many children onto the streets.
Akano warned that Nigeria was sitting on a “time bomb” if the Almajiri challenge was not urgently addressed, noting that there are about 15 million Almajiri children nationwide, with an annual population growth rate of three per cent.
The New Horizons boss explained that the programme prioritises hands-on skills over theory, stressing that trainees would be equipped to earn a living immediately after graduation.
“We are not teaching theory. We are teaching practical skills you can use to earn a living,” he said.
According to him, participants will be trained in repairing mobile phones, laptops, televisions, radios, standing fans and other electronic devices, as well as in building inverter batteries from recycled electronic waste.
Akano assured that the programme would not disrupt the children’s Quranic education.
“Learning computer here is not stopping your Quranic education. You can pray whenever you want and come back to class,” he added. He disclosed that the trainees would also be given T-shirts identifying them as technicians-in-training, alongside unrestricted access to training tools and equipment. Akano noted that New Horizons Nigeria has spent over 21 years training about 100,000 Nigerians annually in IT and related skills, adding that the new initiative was aimed at converting “human genius on the streets into productive human capital.”
He said empowering Almajiris with skills could inject up to 15 million people into Nigeria’s workforce and boost the nation’s Gross Domestic Product by as much as $20 billion.
“Everything that can be taught can be learned. If someone can memorise the Quran cover to cover, there is nothing they cannot learn. What they lack is information, opportunity and infrastructure, and we are providing all of that,” he said.
Akano urged government and private organisations to replicate the initiative across the country, describing it as a blueprint for national development.
