In the vibrant city of Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, a groundbreaking initiative is reshaping the educational landscape. Dr. Nasir Idris, the Governor of Kebbi State, has announced a monumental investment of over N9 billion in the state’s education sector within the first eight months of his administration. This investment marks a significant step in the governor’s commitment to combating the challenge of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
At the heart of this investment is the construction of new classrooms, provision of essential amenities, and a comprehensive overhaul of the educational infrastructure. The governor revealed these details during the flag-off of the National Campaign on Out-of-School Children, a nationwide initiative aimed at addressing the educational needs of over 10 million Nigerian children currently out of school.
Kebbi State, with its staggering figure of 814,915 out-of-school children, as per the National Education Data Survey (NEEDS 2015), has embarked on an ambitious journey to reduce these numbers. The state’s approach includes extensive sensitization campaigns and a massive drive for enrolment, backed by the provision of adequate infrastructural facilities.
The financial allocation has been strategically utilized in constructing new classrooms, installing motorized boreholes and hand-pumps, building toilets, providing furniture, renovating dilapidated classrooms, and supplying textbooks and writing materials. This comprehensive effort aims to create an environment conducive to learning and encourage more children to attend school.
In addition to infrastructure development, the state government has prioritized the training of 2,000 teachers to enhance their pedagogical skills for effective teaching. This move underscores the administration’s recognition of quality teaching as a cornerstone of effective education.
To specifically address the educational needs of Almajiris and other categories of out-of-school children, the government is constructing six mega schools. These schools are designed to provide accessible education and bridge the gap in learning opportunities for these children.
Furthermore, the administration has established 717 Post-Basic Literacy Centers across the state. These centers are part of the post-basic literacy program for Almajiris who have completed basic literacy programs under the Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) initiative. The success of the BESDA program in Kebbi State has been remarkable, with the state achieving a leading position among the 17 participating states in terms of enrolment and rewards.
The Hon. Minister of State, Education, Dr. Yusuf Tanko-Sununu, in his address, commended the people of Kebbi State for their support of the new administration and its educational policies. He emphasized the importance of community involvement in the national campaign on out-of-school children and the role of the government in facilitating educational advancements.
The minister also advised the state government to focus on constructing more classrooms and recruiting professional teachers registered with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN). Additionally, he called for increased collaboration with traditional rulers to enhance the status and respect of teachers in the state.
Dr. Falake Olatunji-David, Director of Basic Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, highlighted the significance of the program as the third phase of several interventions by the ministry. She expressed concern about Nigeria accounting for a significant portion of out-of-school children globally and in the West African sub-region. To address this, she urged individuals in the state to support the education of school-age children and youths.
This initiative in Kebbi State represents a major stride in tackling the issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria. The holistic approach, encompassing infrastructure development, teacher training, and community engagement, sets a precedent for other states to follow. The commitment of the Kebbi State government to providing equitable access to quality education is a beacon of hope for the future of education in Nigeria.
