Katsina Govt, UNICEF re-enrol 4,000 girls to enhance education

In a significant drive to enhance girl-child education in Katsina State, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in partnership with the state government, has successfully reintegrated 4,000 adolescent girls who had previously dropped out of school.

Umar Nata’ala, Acting Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the Department of Girl-Child Education and Child Development, announced this milestone during a stakeholders’ meeting on education reform.

Beyond reintegrating the girls into formal education, the initiative has also equipped over 6,000 girls with training in basic literacy, life skills, and vocational education. In addition, 400 proprietors of Tsangaya (Islamic) schools have undergone training in child protection measures to foster safer learning environments.

Jamila Abdu-Mani, Special Adviser to Governor Dikko Radda on Girl-Child Education, underscored the significance of the programme in tackling educational disparities. She pointed out that data collection efforts had identified 148,252 out-of-school girls and Almajiri children, enabling the government to devise more targeted interventions.

UNICEF Child Protection Officer, Rahila Manasseh, detailed the long-term sustainability plans, including the introduction of Community Adolescent Hubs across key local government areas. These hubs will offer continuous education, life skills training, and mentorship to support young girls in their educational journeys.

Recognising the transformative impact of the programme, local government officials and community leaders have pledged their support, acknowledging its crucial role in empowering girls and ensuring they receive quality education.