By Abdullahi Jalalludeen
The Federal Government has launched a major school enrolment initiative in Northern Nigeria aimed at drastically reducing the number of out-of-school children in the region.
The exercise was flagged off at Lausu Primary School in Rano Local Government Area of Kano State.
Speaking at the event, UBEC Executive Secretary, Dr. Aisha Garba—represented by the Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical), Mr. Razaq Akinyemi—described the enrolment drive as both “timely” and “strategic,” given the alarming rate of out-of-school children in the country.
She said the Federal Government, through UBEC, is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that all school-age children are enrolled, retained, and complete basic education,”
“We have made interventions to improve school infrastructure, supply teaching and learning materials, enhance teacher quality, and strengthen community participation in school management.”
Garba called for the active involvement of all stakeholders including parents, teachers, traditional rulers, and community leaders in identifying and tackling barriers to school enrolment.
The Director of Quality Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Bello Rabe, who represented the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmed, reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to revamp Nigeria’s education sector.
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Ali Makoda, described the UBEC campaign as a “wake-up call” for states to intensify efforts against the out-of-school problem.
The governor highlighted the ongoing “State of Emergency on Education” project, which includes the construction and renovation of school infrastructure.
He directed all head teachers in Kano to ensure the enrolment of every school-age child in their communities within 30 days, in line with the 2025–2026 National Enrolment Initiative.
Chairman of Kano SUBEB, Malam Yusuf Kabir who spoke on behalf of Northern States SUBEB Chairmen Stressed that school enrolment is a collective responsibility.
UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Kano, Rahama Farah, represented by Officer-in-Charge Michael Banda, reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to addressing access, quality, and systemic challenges in Nigeria’s education sector.
The event featured the distribution of free school uniforms, bags, and books to pupils as part of efforts to encourage enrolment and retention.
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