Sequel to the high number of out-of-school children, amounting to about 800,000 in Jigawa State, the Jigawa State House of Assembly has promised effective and close monitoring for the proper implementation of all laws to enforce children’s enrolment and retention in schools, ensuring their right to education.
The Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Sani Isyaku Gumel, disclosed this while distributing school uniforms and other educational materials to orphans, people living with disabilities (PWDs), and underprivileged children at Garin Barka Village in Gumel Local Government Area. He emphasised that this initiative aims to reduce the number of out-of-school children to a minimal level.
Hon. Gumel explained, “To that regard, the state assembly will give more support and encouragement to the executive arm to provide a conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning, including security for qualitative and quantitative education, ensuring the minimum of basic education for all children.”
He added, “In line with this, the Jigawa lawmakers have sealed a deal with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to reduce the number of out-of-school children by 42 per cent within this last quarter of 2024, with a target of achieving 95 per cent by 2030.”
Gumel noted that during a meeting with UNICEF in Kaduna, they were informed that Jigawa ranks eighth in the country for the highest number of out-of-school children, with an alarming figure of over 700,000 in the state.
He further stated, “We have agreed on a strategy to reduce this number by 42 per cent in each of the 30 state constituencies. I’m happy to tell you that my constituency has one of the fewest numbers of out-of-school children—less than 3,000. In the past, I facilitated the return of 1,800 children to school, and today we continue this support by distributing school materials to children who have recently returned to school or enrolled for the first time. This is one of our various initiatives aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children by 40 per cent in each of our constituencies.”
In addition, he mentioned, “I have an empowerment project under which numerous grants and facilities will be given to my constituents, aimed at improving their economic status and making them self-reliant. Those who enrol their children and return them to school will be the primary beneficiaries. This initiative is designed to motivate and encourage them to keep their children in school.”
In his speech, UNICEF’s Education Manager for the Kano field office, Mr Michael Banda, commended the legislators for their commitment and proactivity in addressing the issue of out-of-school children.
Mr Banda noted, “Members of the Jigawa State House of Assembly and UNICEF officials held a commitment meeting in Kaduna regarding the phenomenon of out-of-school children, and we agreed to work together to drastically reduce the state’s high number of out-of-school children in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
He emphasised, “As part of this effort, quality education will be ensured through easy access to teaching and learning materials and security for schools. UNICEF is providing technical and other support to members of the State House of Assembly. Our target is to reduce the number of out-of-school children by 90 to 95 per cent through new enrolments and bring back those who dropped out at any level to obtain a minimum of basic education, meeting the standards of literacy and numeracy as outlined in the SDGs by 2030.”
He acknowledged that Jigawa State still faces challenges in reducing the number of out-of-school children but expressed optimism that things would soon take a deserving shape in achieving the target.
“With the current political leadership’s commitment, alongside the support of parents, communities, and other stakeholders, the target is achievable,” he stated.
UNICEF expressed the need for extensive media campaigns and stakeholder involvement, massive advocacy, and increased funding to succeed.
In related developments, the member of the Hadejia State Assembly constituency, Hon. Abubakar Saddiq Jallo, has organised a town hall meeting with critical stakeholders in education at Maje Primary School in Hadejia town to tackle the out-of-school children crisis.
During the meeting, Hon. Jallo expressed concern over the number of out-of-school children in the area and appealed to all stakeholders to join efforts for lasting solutions.
“We are working to enlighten parents, communities, and stakeholders on the need for collective action to achieve this crucial goal,” Jallo said.
He further commended UNICEF for its continuous support in addressing the challenges facing Jigawa’s children, particularly in health and education, and called on other partners to follow UNICEF’s example for the state’s betterment.
The member also donated school uniforms, books, sandals, and bags to 2,000 children.
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