The Almajiri Reformation and Enhancement Initiative (AREIN) has called on political stakeholders and relevant authorities to fulfill outstanding commitments made to the organisation following its participation in voter mobilisation and election-related activities The initiative also urged the government to strengthen support for Almajiri education and welfare, saying practical interventions were needed to improve the living conditions and educational opportunities of Almajirai and their teachers.
In a statement outlining its grievances ahead of a proposed national press conference, the organisation said its members had conducted voter registration awareness campaigns and mobilised eligible citizens to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate in elections. It said the activities involved grassroots engagement across communities, particularly areas where voter education and political mobilisation were considered necessary. The organisation, however, said some assurances made to it following the activities remained unfulfilled, while its contributions had not received adequate recognition.
It also raised concerns over outstanding election-related support and entitlements, as well as unresolved questions concerning the appointment and deployment of its members as election agents across the North-East, North-West and North-Central zones. AREIN called for a review of the commitments and election-related assignments, urging the relevant authorities to verify its claims and settle any outstanding entitlements established through the review. It also complained of inadequate engagement with its leadership, saying improved communication and dialogue would help resolve the issues.
The initiative said its grievances were not intended to promote confrontation but to seek fairness, accountability and a clear timetable for resolving the outstanding matters. Beyond the complaints, AREIN said it remained committed to reforming traditional Qur’anic education while preserving its religious and moral values. It called for government support programmes addressing the welfare of Almajirai, access to healthcare, identity documentation, vocational training and improved educational opportunities. The organisation also proposed stronger collaboration among government institutions, Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, civil society groups and development partners.
It said the proposed national press conference would provide an opportunity to present its concerns, seek wider engagement and develop practical recommendations for improving Almajiri education and welfare. AREIN said its long-term objective was to promote the dignity and inclusion of Almajirai through sustainable interventions, transparent funding and measurable outcomes.