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Out-Of-School Children: Jigawa Prioritises Education With Over ₦740m

Jigawa is one of the states with the highest number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.


File photo of Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi.

 

Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, approved over ₦740 million for educational infrastructure projects.

The approval by the Jigawa State Executive Council chaired by Namadi, is to tackle the growing number of out-of-school children and encourage enrolment.

The council’s decision comes in response to the state’s struggle with educational setbacks, where recent statistics from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) reveal that nearly 400,000 children are out of school, placing Jigawa among the states with the highest number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

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Major Educational Investments

The council approved ₦740.79 million for the construction and renovation of educational facilities in various schools across the state. The funds will be used to build classrooms, laboratories, administration blocks, ICT labs, workshops, and toilets in selected schools, including Government Day Science Technical College (GDSTC) in Kafin Hausa and Babura, College of Government Secondary Schools (CGSSS) in Roni and Jahun, and other institutions in Gumel, Kanya Babba, Ringim, Dutse, and Hadejia.

“Investing in education is crucial to addressing the alarming rate of out-of-school children in Jigawa State. By improving our schools’ infrastructure, we are making them more conducive for learning and encouraging parents to enrol their children,” said Sagir Musa Ahmed, the Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sport, and Culture.

“Our aim is to increase enrolment rates significantly and reduce the number of children not receiving formal education.”

In addition to infrastructure, ₦624.02 million was allocated for bursary allowances, which will benefit 14,269 students in higher institutions across the state, including Sule Lamido University Kafin Hausa and Jigawa State Polytechnic.

The bursaries aim to support both newly admitted and returning students for the 2023/2024 academic session, providing financial relief to families and promoting higher education enrolment.

“With the economic challenges faced by many households, financial barriers often prevent children from pursuing education. The bursary allowance is a strategic effort to ease this burden and encourage students to continue their studies,” the Commissioner added.

Economic Initiatives to Ease Hardships

Recognising the economic hardship faced by citizens, the council also approved measures aimed at boosting economic opportunities. A significant allocation of ₦466.73 million was made for the procurement of 300 solar-powered multi-purpose kiosks.

These kiosks are intended to generate employment and stimulate economic activities across the state, providing avenues for small-scale business growth.

“Job creation is a priority for the state government, especially at a time when unemployment rates are high. The kiosks will not only provide immediate employment for young people but also create a ripple effect in local economies,” noted the Commissioner.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reports an unemployment rate of over 33% in Jigawa State, indicating a pressing need for economic intervention.

Moreover, the council sanctioned ₦1.18 billion for critical electrification projects, including the extension of electricity, rehabilitation of substations, and development of a 33KV ITC Line across local government areas such as Gwaram, Kafin Hausa, Kaugama, Kiyawa, and Kirikasamma. “Reliable power supply is essential for economic development, and these electrification projects will facilitate business operations, reduce the cost of production, and improve the overall quality of life,” Ahmed explained.

 

Emergency Preparedness Amid Economic Struggles

In light of rising food prices and the general economic downturn, the council approved ₦798.28 million for the procurement of food commodities as part of the State Emergency Management Agency’s (SEMA) response plan.

The food items, which include 3,000 bags each of maize and millet, 12,000 cartons of spaghetti, and 2,000 bags of Garin Kwaki, are intended to serve as relief materials in times of emergency.

“This intervention is crucial given the rising cost of living, with food inflation rates reaching 26% in the region according to NBS data. We are taking proactive steps to ensure food security for our most vulnerable citizens,” said the Commissioner.

 

Background

The recent approvals by the Jigawa State Executive Council illustrate a comprehensive approach to tackling the dual challenges of education and economic hardship.

With the state struggling to lift itself from poverty, these investments in education and economic infrastructure aim to bring about long-term benefits for the populace.

“Addressing the issue of out-of-school children is not just about building schools; it is about creating an environment where families see education as an accessible and worthwhile pursuit,” Governor Namadi emphasized.

“Coupled with our economic measures, we are confident that these steps will lay a solid foundation for a more prosperous Jigawa.”