Out-of-school children

By Hussaini Ibrahim Sulaiman

Education is the bedrock of any progressive society, and in Kano State, a quiet revolution is unfolding under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

 Since assuming office, the governor has taken every step to rejuvenate the state’s education sector. 

His administration’s commitment to education is evident in its words and concrete actions, which continue to change lives. His administration has prioritised key reforms in infrastructure, teacher welfare, school enrollment, and vocational training. 

These initiatives have solidified his reputation as a leader who truly understands that Kano’s future rests on the shoulders of its young population.

Recognising the deep-rooted challenges facing Kano’s education system, Governor Yusuf declared a state of emergency in education. 

His administration swiftly addressed the dilapidated state of public schools, teacher shortages, and declining student enrollment. With a clear vision, the governor initiated reforms that have already begun yielding remarkable results.

Budgetary allocations reflect a leader’s priorities. In the 2024 budget, 29.9% of the total allocation was dedicated to education, far surpassing UNESCO’s recommended benchmark of 26%. 

Further demonstrating his unwavering commitment, the state has allocated 31% of its total 2025 budget to the education sector. 

With this substantial funding, the government has embarked on large-scale school renovations, procured essential learning materials, and paid outstanding teacher salaries. 

These initiatives restore public confidence in the education system and ensure that Kano’s children have the resources they need to succeed.

Public schools in Kano needed rehabilitation. The administration launched a massive school renovation project to upgradethousands of classrooms across the state. 

Over 80,000 three-seater desks have been provided, ensuring that 240,000 students no longer have to sit on bare floors. 

New classrooms have been built to tackle the issue of overcrowding. Schools that once faced challenges with insufficient facilities are now reaping the benefits of modern learning environments, enhancing the accessibility and effectiveness of education.

Kano State has long faced the challenge of out-of-school children. To tackle this, the government is constructing 130 new boys’ and girls’ schools to boost enrollment in the next academic session. 

Governor Yusuf’s administration has also launched an initiative to distribute 789,000 school uniforms to pupils in 7,092 public schools. 

At the flag-off of the distribution of over two million education materials—including textbooks, mats, and uniforms—the governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that every child in Kano has access to quality education.

The state government is providing a monthly stipend of N20,000 to 40,000 needy girls to promote school enrolment, retention, and completion. 

This initiative specifically aims to ensure that more girls receive formal education, lower the dropout rate, and promote gender inclusivity in education.

A well-trained and motivated teacher is at the heart of any successful education system. Governor Yusuf has approved the permanent employment of 5,500 volunteer teachers under the Better Education Services Delivery for All (BESDA) initiative. 

He has also approved the promotion of over 20,500 primary and junior secondary school teachers.

This move boosts morale and is a strategic step toward retaining and attracting quality educators. By improving teacher welfare and providing capacity-building opportunities, the governor ensures that Kano’s students receive education from highly skilled and dedicated professionals. 

The administration has also cleared backlogs of unpaid teacher salaries and allowances, significantly boosting teacher motivation and improving classroom engagement and student performance.

To further support education, the government has spent N1.3 billion on paying National Examination Council (NECO) and National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) registration fees for 57,000 indigent students. 

This intervention has lifted a huge financial burden off struggling families and ensured that no student is denied access to secondary and technical education due to economic hardship.

Education extends beyond the classroom. The administration has revived 26 vocational and skills acquisition schools across the state. Institutions such as the Kano School of Informatics, Kano State Driving School, and Aliko Dangote Skills Acquisition Centre have been revamped to equip young people with practical skills.

The government plans to create over 63,000 jobs annually through the garment industry. By reopening garment manufacturing clusters in Kano’s 44 local government areas, thousands of young people will be empowered with tailoring and fashion design skills. This approach will provide an alternative pathway for youths who may not pursue conventional higher education.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s remarkable efforts in education have not gone unnoticed. During the 2024 World Teachers’ Day celebrations, the Nigeria Union of Teachers honored him with the Golden Award for Outstanding Performance in Education Reform. 

This accolade recognises his dedication to improving Kano’s education sector.

Under his leadership, Kano State is experiencing an educational renaissance. His administration’s policies, strategic investments, and people-centered approach have laid a strong foundation for a brighter future. 

The real impact of his reforms can be seen in the smiles of students who now have desks to sit on, the joy of teachers whose hard work is being rewarded, and the hope of parents who can now dream of a better future for their children.

Aiki Sai Me Shi—only the committed can achieve the task. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has not only shown commitment but has also demonstrated visionary leadership, courage, and an unrelenting passion for education. Kano’s education sector is on an unstoppable trajectory of growth, and if the momentum is sustained, the state will soon be a shining example of educational excellence in Nigeria.

By Lydia Usman Maiva

The issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria, particularly in the Northeast region, has reached alarming proportions. The numbers are gargantuan, and the consequences of inaction will be dire.

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world, with over 10 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 not attending school.  

The Northeast region accounts for a significant portion of this number, with states like Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa having some of the highest rates of out-of-school children.

This trend is deeply troubling, as it not only affects the future of these children but also threatens the stability and development of the region.

Poverty, conflict, and cultural barriers are some of the factors driving this phenomenon, making it fundamental to adopt a comprehensive approach to address the root causes. 

Poverty and economic hardship are some of the contributors to the problem. Many families in the Northeast struggle to make ends meet, forcing them to prioritise basic needs over education.

Meanwhile, the lingering conflict in the region has destroyed infrastructure, displaced communities, and created an environment conducive to radicalization.

The lack of access to quality education further exacerbates the issue, as inadequate facilities and unqualified teachers undermine the value of education. 

Cultural and social barriers also play an active role in keeping children out of school. In some communities, girls are discouraged from pursuing education due to societal norms and expectations.

Similarly, boys are often pressured to engage in economic activities or join extremist groups. These barriers must be addressed through community-based initiatives that promote education and awareness. 

The consequences of taking measures will be far-reaching and devastating. Out-of-school children are more likely to engage in child labour or trafficking, become radicalised or recruited by extremist groups, suffer from poverty and unemployment, lack access to healthcare and social services, and perpetuate cycles of illiteracy and ignorance.  

To curb the menace of out-of-school children, increased investment in education infrastructure and resources is crucial.

This includes building and renovating schools, providing adequate materials and equipment, and training qualified teachers. Implementation of conditional cash transfer programs can also encourage enrolment, particularly among disadvantaged families. 

Community-based initiatives are vital in promoting education and awareness. Collaboration with local leaders, religious institutions, and civil society organisations can help challenge harmful cultural norms and promote the value of education.

Furthermore, policy reforms are necessary to address cultural and social barriers, ensuring that every child has access to quality education. 

The Nigerian government has launched several initiatives aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children.

The National Education Plan, Safe Schools Initiative, Conditional Cash Transfer Program, and Education for All initiative are steps in the right direction.

However, more needs to be done to address the scale and complexity of the problem. Effective implementation and coordination among stakeholders are critical to the success of these initiatives. State and local governments must work closely with federal agencies, international organisations, and civil society groups to ensure a unified approach.

Additionally, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms should be put in place to track progress and identify areas for improvement. Ultimately, addressing the issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria’s Northeast requires a collective effort. We must prioritise education as a fundamental right and a cornerstone of national development.

By working together, we can ensure that every child in Nigeria has access to quality education and a brighter future, securing a more prosperous and stable future for our nation. 

In conclusion, the government must stand on its toes and provide a lasting solution to the problem.

The National Almajiri Commission and out-of-school children must also work round the clock in ensuring that the number has drastically reduced or eliminated.

This will require sustained commitment, coordination, and collaboration among all stakeholders.

Only then can we hope to reverse the alarming trend of out-of-school children in Nigeria’s Northeast and unlock a brighter future for generations to come.  

Lydia Usman Maiva is a student in the Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri