Jigawa Assembly launches support for UNICEF-SUBEB enrollment campaign to tackle out-of-school children
By Umar Akilu Majeri Dutse
In a bid to reduce the number of out-of-school children in Jigawa State, the Member representing Bulangu Constituency, Hon. A. Yusuf Ahmad Soja, has initiated a major enrollment drive.
The drive, which officially launched on Friday, involved the distribution of 100 sets of school uniforms, shoes, and writing materials to primary and junior secondary school pupils in Bulangu, Majawa, and Zago wards. The handover ceremony took place at Majawa Primary School.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. A. Yusuf Soja explained that the initiative was inspired by a UNICEF report highlighting the high rates of out-of-school children in the Northwest zone of Nigeria.
“The situation of out-of-school children in our region is alarming. This campaign is part of our collective efforts to encourage more parents to send their children to school, as education is the bedrock of development,” he said.
Soja also expressed satisfaction with the turnout of local stakeholders at the event, urging them to take up the mantle of spreading awareness about the importance of education to the community.
“Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and insecurity. We must all rally together to make sure every child in our constituency gets the opportunity to learn,” he added.
The event also received support from local government officials. The Vice Chairman of the Council, Comrade Mansur Ahmad, who represented the Chairman, commended the lawmaker for his efforts.
He also emphasized the local council’s commitment to continue supporting education initiatives in line with government objectives. He called on parents to prioritize their children’s education and on traditional rulers to lead enrollment campaigns in their communities.
Prof. Haruna Musa, the Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), expressed his appreciation for the ongoing collaboration between the state government, local councils, and the parents.
Represented by the Education Secretary, Alhaji Adamu Baffa, Prof. Musa commended the efforts of the state assembly in mobilizing resources to support children’s education and called for continued partnerships in building a brighter future for Jigawa’s youth.
He also acknowledged the significant role Governor Umar Namadi has played in bringing about positive changes in the education sector, especially at the grassroots level.
