Kaugama Local Government Area of Jigawa State has taken a decisive step toward reducing the growing number of out-of-school children with the construction of new nomadic school blocks across the area.
Jigawa State currently records over 330,000 out-of-school children, contributing to Nigeria’s estimated 10.2 million children who are not enrolled in formal education, according to UNICEF. In response, the Jigawa State Government, in collaboration with UNICEF, is implementing measures aimed at reintegrating these children into the education system through access to basic education, vocational skills, and psychosocial support.
Recent statistics indicate alarming dropout rates of 15 percent at the primary level and 22 percent at the secondary level. To curb this trend, the state government introduced initiatives such as the Begging-Free Zone Programme, which has successfully transitioned over 2,000 children from the streets into government-owned Tsangaya schools.
In line with the 12-point development agenda of Governor Umar Namadi’s administration, the Chairman of Kaugama Local Government, Honourable Usman Masaki Dansule, has constructed nomadic school blocks to expand access to education for vulnerable and underserved children.
The newly built schools are located at Kwango Wailare in Unguwar Jibrin Ward and Bingimama in Jarkasa Ward, with the aim of enrolling large numbers of children who lack access to both Western and Islamic education.
Speaking on the initiative, Hon. Usman Masaki Dansule reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the education sector in Kaugama Local Government. He assured that his council will continue to provide the necessary support to improve the educational foundation of children and secure a brighter future for them.
The council chairman further stated that his administration remains fully committed to implementing and sustaining the 12-point agenda of Governor Umar Namadi to achieve meaningful development and improve the lives of people at the grassroots.
This initiative underscores Kaugama Local Government’s determination to support state efforts in tackling the challenge of out-of-school children and promoting inclusive education.
This was contained in a statement signed by Alhaji Musa Muhammad Information officer, Kaugama local government