Nigeria Launches School Feeding, Alternative Education Programme for Out-of-School Children

The Nigerian government has officially launched a new project aimed at addressing the country’s growing crisis of out-of-school children.

The initiative, known as the Alternate Education and Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, was unveiled in Abuja and marks a significant step toward providing inclusive education and nutrition to underserved communities.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Nentawe Yilwatda said the programme is a deliberate and compassionate move to ensure that children in cities, rural areas, conflict zones, and nomadic communities are not left behind.

 “Every child, regardless of background or location, deserves the right to learn, to grow, and to dream,” he stated.

The launch coincided with the Children’s Day celebration and also commemorated the second anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

It targets children outside the traditional school system and aims to reach more communities over time.

A pilot project has already begun in Karsana II, a nomadic settlement in the Federal Capital Territory.

Temporary learning centres for pupils in Primary 1 to 3 have been set up there, along with a staff room and a solar-powered borehole to provide clean water for the children and their families.

The project is being implemented in partnership with the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

 Children enrolled will also be registered for the National Identity Number (NIN), which will provide them with access to future government services in health, education, and social protection.

Princess Adebowale, Programme Manager of the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, described the initiative as a timely intervention under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

She said it reflects the government’s commitment to reaching children in border areas, informal settlements, nomadic groups, and IDP camps through a model that combines identity management, feeding, and foundational learning.

Currently, the RH-NHGSFP provides daily meals to over 10.2 million pupils in primary 1 to 3 across all 774 local government areas in Nigeria.

The goal is to increase that number to 20 million by 2026. “Our mission is not just to feed but to improve nutrition, boost school enrolment and retention, and reduce insecurity,” she added.

Chairman of the House Committee on Poverty Alleviation, Mr Abdulkadri Jobe, praised the programme for its role in encouraging school enrolment, supporting local farmers, and building a healthier society.

He assured that the House of Representatives will continue to support such initiatives and commended President Tinubu for continuing programmes that address poverty in Nigeria. To mark the Children’s Day event, gifts were distributed to Almajiri and other out-of-school children attending the launch.