By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

In a bold intervention aimed at tackling youth vulnerability, insecurity and unemployment, Abuja-based Information and Communication Technology,ICT training institute, New Horizons, has unveiled an ambitious programme to remove one million Almajiris from the streets and transform them into skilled digital technicians across Nigeria.

The initiative was formally launched on Monday in Abuja with the commencement of training for 21 Almajiris, marking the pilot phase of a project designed to rewrite the future of some of the country’s most vulnerable children.

Tagged “From the Streets to Technicians in 90 Days,” the programme seeks to equip participants with practical computer and ICT skills within three months.

Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer of New Horizons, Mr. Tim Akano, disclosed that the institute is committing about ₦50 million to the programme, covering not only training but also feeding, clothing, logistics and work tools for all beneficiaries.

According to Akano, Abuja is serving as the pilot location, with plans already underway to expand the programme to Kano, Kaduna, Zamfara and other states with high Almajiri populations. He stressed that addressing the Almajiri challenge requires a shift from reactive spending on security to proactive investment in social and human development.

“If we win this battle, the billions we spend fighting insecurity will no longer be necessary,” Akano said.

He added:“My calculations show that empowering the Almajiri can grow Nigeria’s GDP by as much as $20 billion in the next 14 to 15 months.”

He warned that Nigeria currently has an estimated 15 million Almajiris, with a population growth rate of about 3.0 per cent annually.

“If nothing is done, by 2030 we may have 30 million Almajiris. That means even cities where the elite feel safe today could become uninhabitable,” he cautioned.

The initiative drew strong commendation from stakeholders at the event. Chairman, Board of Trustees of the People Expertise and Excellence Foundation, Engr. Abdullahi Bukar, described the programme as a timely and strategic response to both social exclusion and national security concerns.

Bukar noted that equipping Almajiris with marketable digital skills would provide sustainable livelihoods, reduce vulnerability to crime and extremism, and integrate them productively into the economy.

He emphasised that the government alone cannot resolve the Almajiri challenge, calling for stronger collaboration among the private sector, civil society and public institutions.

He urged policymakers to support and scale similar interventions nationwide, while appealing to development partners and well-meaning Nigerians to invest in human capital development among vulnerable groups, which he described as critical to national stability and economic growth.

Echoing these views, Founder of Girl Child Concern, Dr. Mairo Mandara, said the New Horizons initiative offers a practical model for addressing vulnerability through skills acquisition and empowerment.

She warned that failure to train and empower Almajiris could turn the situation into a “ticking time bomb” with grave consequences for the nation.

Speaking on behalf of the trainees, Fatima Umar expressed gratitude to New Horizons and its partners, describing the opportunity as a lifeline that offers hope for a better future.

She pledged the commitment of the beneficiaries to make good use of the skills acquired and contribute positively to society.

As the pilot programme unfolds, the New Horizons initiative is fast emerging as a compelling example of how targeted skills development can turn a social challenge into an opportunity for inclusive growth and national transformation.