UNICEF, Jigawa Assembly Partner to Reduce Out-of-School Children
From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse
The Jigawa State House of Assembly has entered into a partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to reduce the rate of out-of-school children by 42% between September 2024 and the first quarter of 2025.
This was revealed by Mr. Muttaqa Muktar Muhammad, the Education Specialist from UNICEF’s Kano field office, during an interactive session with key stakeholders in the education sector. The session focused on planning a school enrollment campaign across the 30 constituencies, part of a project funded by the European Union and implemented by the state and local governments.
Mr. Muhammad explained that the meeting is part of a broader initiative aimed at improving education and youth employment. “We are working with various stakeholders to support efforts in reducing the number of out-of-school children in Jigawa State. As discussed here, Jigawa ranks eighth among Nigerian states with the highest number of out-of-school children,” he noted.
He emphasized that education is a fundamental right of every child, as guaranteed by Nigeria’s constitution, and urged all stakeholders to unite in ensuring that every child has access to education.
Mr. Muhammad commended the Jigawa State Government for dedicating 32% of its 2024 budget to education, surpassing the United Nations benchmark. “Jigawa State is investing significant resources in education, and we are proud to have a strong partnership with the 30 members of the Jigawa State House of Assembly.”
He highlighted the recent meeting held with the Assembly members, during which they all committed to reducing the number of out-of-school children in their respective constituencies. “Each member signed an agreement with UNICEF to work towards this reduction, which is a great step forward.”
The meeting also focused on how to mobilize stakeholders, review action plans, and accelerate the reduction of out-of-school children. Attendees included members of the State Assembly, education sector leaders, local government officials, traditional rulers, Mothers’ Associations, the National Union of Teachers (NUT), the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and community-based organizations (CBOs).
In his remarks, Professor Haruna Musa, Chairman of the Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), acknowledged the state’s challenges with out-of-school children, noting that Jigawa is among the seven states most affected. He emphasized the importance of developing an accelerated plan to address the issue.
Ado Yakubu Zandam, Chairman of the House Committee on Education and representative of Gwaram Constituency, pledged the legislative body’s support in ensuring the success of school enrollment campaigns across their constituencies. He acknowledged that the issue of out-of-school children remains a pressing concern for both parents and the government.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, the Sarkin Kudu of Gumel, Alhaji Bala Mohammed, stressed the need for intensive awareness campaigns across the state to encourage parents to enroll their children in school.
