Jigawa
JGHA partner UNICEF to reduce alarming rate of out-of-school children by 42%
From Ahmed Rufa’i
In an effort to address the issue of out-of-school children, the Jigawa State House of Assembly has signed an agreement with the United Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF) to reduce the number of out-of-school children by 42% by the first quarter of 2025.
The state government, local government areas, and stakeholders in the education industry are working together to achieve the goal.
The partnership aims to increase school enrollment and reduce the number of out-of-school children in the State, which is currently ranked eighth among states with the highest number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
The agreement was reached during an interactive session with stakeholders to plan a school enrollment campaign across the 30 constituencies in Jigawa State.
The session aimed to develop an accelerated plan to reduce the number of out-of-school children in the state.
With the support of the European Union, UNICEF, and the state government, the campaign aims to ensure that every child in Jigawa State has access to quality education. The state government has allocated 32% of its 2024 budget to education, surpassing the UN benchmark.
Stakeholders, including traditional rulers, mothers’ associations, and education sector representatives, have pledged their support for the campaign.
The success of the initiative will have a significant impact on the future of children in Jigawa State and serve as a model for other states to follow.
The UNICEF Kano field office education specialist, Mr Muttaqa Muktar Muhammad who gave the insight during an interactive session with relevant stakeholders in the education industry to plan a drive on school enrollment campaign across the 30 constituencies organization by the UNICEF supposed to European Union.
Mr Muhammad noted that “Jigawa state Universal Basic Education Board in collaboration with UNICEF held an interactive session with relevant stakeholders in the education industry to plan a drive on school enrollment campaign across the 30 constituencies.
According to the UNICEF representative stated further that “education is a right to every child as guaranteed by the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, hence the need for concerted effort by all stakeholders to ensure every child is carried along”.
He commended Jigawa State Government for allocating 32 percent of its annual budget to educational which according to him had surpass the UN bench mark.
“Jigawa state government is investing huge resources to see that children benefit from education. You know that 32 percent of the 2024 budget was allocated to education.
“We are glad to have a very strong partnership with the 30 members of the Jigawa state house of Assembly”.
“Just last week on the 7th precisely we held a commitment meeting with all of them where they all agreed to reduce our of schools children by 42 percent in their respective constituencies.
Each of them signed a commitment with UNICEF to reduce the number of our-of-school children in their various constituencies, this is great.
In his opening remarks, the chairman of Jigawa State Universal Basic education Board, professor, Haruna Musa pointed out that the intention is to discuss on issues bordering on out-of-school children syndrome which Jigawa is rated among the seven states mostly affected by the challenge.
He said that the forum will develop and agree on accelerated plan for mitigating the menace in the State
In his remarks, Chairman House committee on education and member of House of Representatives, Gwaram constituency, Ado Yakubu Zandam pledge the support of the legislature to ensuring there is huge success in the school’s enrollment across their respective constituencies.
He noted that, the issue of out-of-school children has remained a source of concern among parents and the Government.
Also commenting on behalf of the royal fathers, the Sarkin kudu Gumel ,Alhaji Bala Mohammed stressed the need for intensive enlightenment campaigns to all nooks and cranies of the state to reawaken parents on the to enroll their wards into schools.
Presentation from various stakeholders were made on the implication of out-of-school children and the way forward during the meeting.
By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
The Jigawa State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has announced a partnership with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to enhance peace advocacy and national unity in the state.
This was disclosed by the Jigawa State CAN Chairman, Rev. Fr. Maurice K. Hassan, during a courtesy visit to the Jigawa State Director of NOA, Alhaji Tijjani Ibrahim, at his office in Dutse.
Rev. Fr. Hassan emphasized that peace and unity are the foundation of any society’s development.
He stated that CAN will expan collaborating with NOA to enhance public enlightenment and advocacy programs across the state.
“CAN has made it a priority to advocate, preach, and pray for peace and national unity in all church congregations, and we will continue to do so,” he said.
He also commended the Jigawa State Government under Governor Malam Umar Namadi for its inclusive approach, noting that Christian communities have been considered in government interventions and palliative distributions.
While receiving the CAN delegation, NOA Director, Alhaji Tijjani Ibrahim, expressed appreciation for the association’s commitment to national unity.
He stressed that peace and national cohesion are essential for development, stating, “There can be no progress in a society plagued by crisis and division.”
Alhaji Ibrahim called on Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration and Governor Malam Umar Namadi’s leadership for sustainable development and the strengthening of democracy.
During the visit, CAN also expressed appreciation to the Jigawa State Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) for its role in ensuring road safety.
Fr. Hassan assured the VIO leadership of CAN’s commitment to encouraging its members to comply with road safety regulations.
In response, the Jigawa State VIO Director acknowledged the visit as a historic moment, stating that it was the first time religious leaders had formally recognized their work. He pledged that VIO would continue to work towards ensuring safety on highways and protecting lives and property.
The CAN delegation included the association’s Secretary, Treasurer, and representatives from the Youth and Women wings.
By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
828 underprivileged students in Gwaram Local Government Area of Jigawa State, have received free Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration pins from the council chairman, Professor Salim Abdurraman, ahead of the 2025 UTME examination.
In a statement issued by Special Assistant to the Chairman on Media, Abubakar Bello Baba, he noted that the initiative is part of efforts to support students who cannot afford the registration fee, ensuring they have an equal opportunity to pursue higher education.
“This gesture aligns with the chairman’s commitment to complement Governor Malam Umar Namadi’s 12-point agenda, particularly in promoting education and youth empowerment,” the statement read.
According to Baba, the JAMB pins have already been sent to the beneficiaries via mobile messages to allow early registration.
He urged recipients to keep their messages safe and follow the necessary procedures for a seamless registration process.
Beneficiaries who have not received their pins are advised to contact the Guidance and Counseling Unit of the local council for assistance.
“The Chairman’s office remains committed to ensuring all eligible students receive their JAMB pins and successfully complete their registration,” he added.
By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
In a significant move to boost small-scale enterprises and alleviate poverty, Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has launched a N30 billion economic empowerment programme targeting over 60,000 small business owners across the 30 state assembly constituencies.
The initiative, officially flagged off in Miga town, headquarters of Miga Local Government Area, will be implemented through state lawmakers, each overseeing the disbursement of funds to over 2,000 beneficiaries in their constituencies.
A breakdown of the financial support indicated that the programme provides financial aid to small business owners in varying amounts as 1,000 beneficiaries received N100,000 each, 150 beneficiaries received N50,000 each and another 150 beneficiaries received N30,000 each
Other categories included 250 beneficiaries that received N20,000 each and 1,368 beneficiaries who received N10,000 each
Speaking at the event, Governor Namadi emphasized the importance of lawmakers staying connected to their constituents’ realities, ensuring that the initiative directly impacts grassroots businesses and livelihoods.
“This initiative is a testament to the strong connection between lawmakers and their people. It shows they understand the struggles of small business owners and are committed to finding practical solutions,” he stated.
The governor further assured that the programme will be replicated in all 30 constituencies, ensuring equitable distribution of resources ahead of the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, who spearheaded the initiative, described small-scale businesses as the backbone of rural economies. He highlighted that, unlike infrastructure projects, this direct financial intervention addresses the immediate economic challenges of the people.
“Under my leadership, we appealed to the governor to allow us to initiate this empowerment programme because we are the closest to our people. His approval reflects the mutual respect and strong collaboration between the legislature and the executive in Jigawa State,” Dangyatin said.
The speaker pledged continued support for Governor Namadi’s administration, affirming that lawmakers would work hand-in-hand with the state government to drive economic growth and improve citizens’ welfare.
With the N30 billion empowerment programme, Jigawa State is setting a precedent in inclusive economic policies, ensuring that small businesses receive the support needed to thrive. The initiative is expected to stimulate local economies, create jobs, and reduce financial hardship, particularly among rural entrepreneurs.
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