The Nigerian Government has launched a major school enrollment campaign in Kano State to address the high number of out-of-school children across Northern Nigeria.
The initiative, led by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in collaboration with the Kano State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and UNICEF, was officially flagged off at Lausu Primary School in Rano Local Government Area.
Speaking at the event, UBEC Executive Secretary, Dr. Aisha Garba, represented by Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical), Dr. Razaq Akinyemi, described the drive as a strategic step towards ensuring that every school-age child in Nigeria is enrolled, retained, and completes basic education.
She explained that UBEC is enhancing the learning environment by providing more teaching materials, improving teacher quality, and strengthening community involvement through School-Based Management Committees.
“We must confront the challenges facing boy-child and girl-child education, street children, the Almajiri system, and children with special needs.
“This campaign requires the active participation of all stakeholders to identify and address barriers to enrollment,” she said.
The Director of Quality Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Bello Rabe, representing the Minister of State for Education, reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to revitalising the education sector.
Also, the Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Ali Makoda, welcomed the program, describing it as a wake-up call.
He announced that all head teachers in the state must ensure the enrollment of every school-age child within 30 days, in line with the 2025–2026 National Enrollment Initiative.
Northern States SUBEB Chairmen, represented by Malam Yusuf Kabir of Kano SUBEB, called on parents, guardians, and traditional leaders to support the campaign.
“Enrolling your child in school is the greatest investment in their future,” he said.
UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Kano, Rahama Farah, represented by officer-in-charge Michael Banda, stressed the importance of community involvement in ensuring children not only enrol but remain in school.
Development partners such as PLANE also pledged their support for improving education standards and boosting enrollment.
The Emir of Rano, Ambassador Muhammad Umar, both urged parents to embrace education, describing it as the foundation for growth and development.
The event featured the distribution of free school uniforms, bags, and books to pupils as part of efforts to encourage enrollment.