The National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education (NCAOOSCE) has sparked public debate after earmarking ₦8.4 billion for road construction and rehabilitation projects in its 2026 budget.

Budget documents show that the commission, which received a total allocation of ₦29.4 billion, plans to undertake road projects in Ogun, Katsina, and Ekiti states. The projects include the construction and rehabilitation of township and community roads.

The allocation has drawn attention because the commission’s statutory mandate is centered on addressing the challenges of Almajiri and out-of-school children through educational programmes, including expanding access to formal education, promoting literacy, and providing vocational and skills training.

Public finance observers have questioned whether road construction falls within the commission’s legal responsibilities, arguing that agencies should focus on projects directly aligned with their mandates.

The development has renewed calls for greater transparency and accountability in public spending, with stakeholders urging stricter oversight of budget implementation to ensure government resources are used for their intended purposes. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.