The Kano State Government has announced an 11.3% decline in the number of out-of-school children in the state. This achievement was disclosed by Commissioner for Education, Ali Abubakar-Makoda, during the distribution of learning materials to 5,022 learners under the Accelerated Basic Education Programme (ABEP). The programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by Plan International, targets children in three Local Government Areas: Nassarawa, Kumbotso, and Gwale.
According to Makoda, population pressure and the influx of people into the state were major factors contributing to the high number of out-of-school children. However, he commended development partners, particularly Plan International, for their significant interventions that led to the 11.3% reduction. The commissioner expressed gratitude for the support and urged partners to sustain their efforts, expanding interventions beyond the current three Local Government Areas.
The Accelerated Basic Education Programme (ABEP) is designed for children aged 10-18 who have never attended school or dropped out. The programme aims to help them attain a basic education certificate, acquire vocational skills, and transition back to formal schools. Alhassan Hamza-Hussaini, Advocacy and Campaign Officer for Plan International, stated that the organisation started implementing ABEP in Kano in 2024 and has since mainstreamed 6,000 children into the formal school system.
The learning materials distributed to 5,022 learners are intended to support their transition to various classes, including Primary 4, Junior Secondary School (JSS) 1, and Senior Secondary School (SSS) 1. Hamza-Hussaini identified lack of resources for school uniforms and writing materials as key factors preventing children from attending school. The support provided aims to address these challenges and further reduce the number of out-of-school children in Kano.
Zubairu Almu, Ward Head of Zuwachiki West and Public Relations Officer of the Centre-Based Management Committee (CBMC), praised the programme for successfully returning many out-of-school children to school. He noted that the initiative has provided beneficiaries with renewed opportunities to continue their education and improve their prospects. The programme's impact is evident in the lives of these children, who now have a chance to access quality education.
The Kano State Government's achievement in reducing out-of-school children is a significant milestone. The collaboration with development partners like Plan International has been instrumental in this progress. As the government continues to work towards improving education, it is essential to sustain and expand these interventions to ensure that all children in Kano have access to quality education.
The distribution of learning materials and the implementation of ABEP demonstrate the commitment of stakeholders to addressing the issue of out-of-school children in Kano. With continued support and collaboration, the state can build on this progress and create a brighter future for its children. Key development partners will play a crucial role in sustaining this momentum.
Key points
- The Kano State Government recorded an 11.3% reduction in out-of-school children, attributing the progress to interventions by development partners.
- The Accelerated Basic Education Programme (ABEP) has helped 6,000 children transition into the formal school system since its implementation in 2024.
- Development partners like Plan International have been instrumental in supporting Kano State's efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children.
