- From 30 million forgotten Children to 21 Skilled Technicians: A Global Blueprint for Tackling Insecurity
On Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in Abuja, 21 children once written off as street beggars and Almajiri learners will assemble computers and drones in the presence of invited guests and members of the media as the pioneer cohort of Almajiri-to-Tech Initiative graduates.
Almajiri-to-Tech Initiative is a groundbreaking program founded by renowned technology education advocate Mr. Tim Akano in partnership with New Horizons Nigeria, the world’s number one ICT training institute, operating in over 90 countries across six continents, and provides ICT training services to more than 30 universities and nearly 200 high schools nationwide.
This is a bold idea with the potential to reshape lives across Africa and beyond.
This is far more than a graduation ceremony. It is the unveiling of a practical model that demonstrates how technology education, entrepreneurship, mentorship and compassion can transform vulnerable children into productive citizens, while addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Some months ago, many of these children had never touched a computer and some struggled to communicate in English.
Today, they repair laptops, mobile phones, desktop computers, power banks, electric fans, microwaves and other electronic devices with confidence.
They were given professional tools, entrepreneurial skills and renewed hope to establish sustainable businesses and build independent futures.
“Throughout the program”, Mr. Akano said, “the trainees received intensive practical instruction in computer and electronics engineering, daily meals, transportation support, learning materials, mentorship and character development. They were provided with new uniforms and a structured learning environment designed to restore dignity and build confidence.
“Religious instructors of each child’s faith tradition visited regularly to provide moral guidance, as the Foundation’s belief that character development is as important as technical competence and unlike many intervention program that end with certificates, the Almajiri-to-Tech Initiative goes a step further.
“Every graduate will leave with practical skills, while outstanding participants will receive professional work tools and start-up support to launch their own businesses immediately after graduation.
“Also, a dedicated business directory and customer contact system will be launched to connect Nigerians directly with the graduates, to make it easier for individuals, businesses and organizations to engage their services”.
Techeconomy gatherd that one of the graduates named Mohammed, who arrived from Niger Republic was unable to speak English.
However, within months, he became fluent enough to communicate confidently with customers while carrying out computer and electronics repairs.
“His transformation illustrates how practical education, patience and opportunity can unlock potential that society often overlooks”, Mr. Akano confirmed.
Also, another trainee named Fatima discovered her passion for poetry during the program and wrote a poem to celebrate New Horizons Nigeria. T
his reveals that the initiative has nurtured not only technical competence but also creativity, confidence and personal growth.
The significance of this initiative extends far beyond Nigeria. Nigeria faces one of the world’s largest education and youth development challenges with an estimated 30 million out-of-school and Almajiri children.
Globally, more than 100 million children remain out of school, creating a growing humanitarian, economic and security concern and if they are left unaddressed, these children remain vulnerable to poverty, exploitation, violent extremism, criminal activity, substance abuse and irregular migration.
The Almajiri -to-Tech Initiative argues that these challenges should not be viewed as isolated problems but as interconnected global issues requiring innovative local solutions.
“Rather than investing solely in border enforcement or reactive security measures, the program demonstrates the value of investing in young people before desperation takes root because providing vulnerable children with marketable digital and technical skills, entrepreneurship training and ongoing mentorship creates pathways to meaningful employment within their own communities”, he said.
Mr. Tim Akano, founder of the Almajiri -to-Tech Foundation and MD/CEO of New Horizons System Solutions Limited, believes the world must rethink how it approaches poverty, migration and insecurity.
He further asserted that
“You do not end migration by building higher walls. You do not defeat insecurity by relying only on military force, and you do not end poverty by preaching patriotism. You solve these challenges by building hope where hopelessness exists, equipping young people with practical skills, and creating opportunities where they live.”
The pilot program has already demonstrated that children who have experienced neglect and exclusion can become innovators, entrepreneurs and contributors to national development when given access to quality education, mentorship and opportunity. Rather than being viewed as burdens, these young people are proving to be one of Africa’s greatest untapped resources.
The Almajiri -to-Tech Initiative was conceived not simply as a training program but as a practical response to multiple national and global challenges that continue to undermine social and economic development.
The success of the pilot program challenges long-held assumptions about the potential of children who have grown up on the streets or outside the formal education system.
It proves that talent is not determined by privilege, language or background, but by opportunity.
Additionally, the Foundation has secured a fully equipped workshop named “The Almajiri Republic Workshop” in Wuse 2, Abuja, where the graduates will begin to offer professional computer and electronics repair services to the public.
The facility will serve as both a commercial workspace and a center for continued learning. This is done to allow the graduates earn income while strengthening their technical expertise.
The Foundation believes that if this is replicated across Nigeria and other African countries, this model could help transform millions of vulnerable children into skilled professionals capable of contributing meaningfully to economic growth while reducing poverty, insecurity and youth unemployment.
The Almajiri-to-Tech Foundation is therefore calling on the Presidency, Federal and State Governments, Ministries, Departments and Agencies, members of the National Assembly, development partners, international organizations, donor agencies, philanthropic foundations, corporate organizations, civil society groups, traditional institutions, religious leaders and the private sector to support the expansion of the program.
This is because no single organization can address the challenge of millions of out-of-school children alone.
Lasting change requires visionary leadership, strategic partnerships, sustained investment and a shared commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of circumstance, has access to opportunity.
Meanwhile, International and local media organizations, including CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera, ARISE News, Techeconomy and other leading news platforms, have been invited to witness what the Foundation believes is a practical demonstration that some of society’s most overlooked children can become productive citizens when given access to quality education, mentorship and opportunity.
The graduation ceremony will take place on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in Abuja, bringing together government officials, policymakers, development partners, corporate leaders, educators, members of the diplomatic community and other stakeholders committed to advancing youth development through technology and entrepreneurship.
