- Safiu Kehinde
Kaduna State Government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have signed an agreement for a collaboration to return over 200,000 out-of-school children back to the state’s education system.
This was unveiled during the on Friday at Kaduna where the state government and UNICEF entered into the agreement to reintegrate the children into the state’s school system.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, highlighted that the initiative was under the ‘Reaching Out-of-School Children (ROOSC)’ project.
The project, she said, aimed at improving access to education and enhancing school facilities across Kaduna State.
According to her, the project would benefit about 1,273,222 primary school pupils, providing them with improved learning materials and better school infrastructure.
“The objectives of this project, focuses on equitable access and participation. We are committed to ensuring that every child accesses quality education.
“We are particularly targeting the out-of-school children and those with disabilities to have access to quality education as well,”she said.
Balarabe added that about 36,233 stakeholders, including teachers, headteachers and local education authorities, would receive training and capacity development.
The deputy governor, however, emphasised that the initiative would boost school enrollment, participation, and completion rates.
Balarabe said, “By enhancing the quality of teaching and improving the learning environment, the project aims to equip children with the skills and knowledge they need for future success.”
She added that safe and secure learning environments were essential for children’s well-being and academic performance.
Balarabe further said that the project would strengthen the efficiency of the education system through better management, stronger data systems, and improved accountability.
Also, she acknowledged the support of international partners, including the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED).
Others were: The Global Partnership for Education (GPE), Education Above All (EAA), and Save the Children International (SCI), whose contributions have made the initiative possible.
On her part, UNICEF’s Country Representative, Cristian Munduate, commended the state’s leadership in strengthening its education system.
She confirmed the successful enrollment of 49,000 children through the Nigeria Learning Passport, expanding access to quality education across the state.
Munduate further commended the state’s efforts in addressing literacy and numeracy challenges.
She described the recent launch of the Kaduna Literacy and Numeracy Accelerator (KALINA) programme as laudable.