The Jigawa State Government says the administration has taken various steps to reduce the number of out-of-school children across the state.

Deputy Governor, Aminu Usman disclosed this at the official launching of the Accelerating Basic Education and Livelihood Opportunities for Children and Youth in North West Nigeria Program, ABEP.

He said the program is in line with the agenda of the present administration towards reducing the number of out-of-school children across the state.

Data by UNICEF shows that only 16.8% of children in Jigawa State are enrolled in school, with 83.2% roaming the streets or engaging in street begging among others.

Also, 44% of primary school-age children and 52% of secondary school-age children in Jigawa are not in school, creating a significant educational gap and depriving the children of their fundamental right to universal basic education.

According to him, ” This administration is making significant efforts through a partnership with ABEP, UNICEF, SCI, Plan and others to bridge the gap to ensure that children have access to education to attain to their potentials”

Team lead for Consortium in Jigawa State, Tobi Ransomed said the ABEP program is implemented at twelve local governments in three states in the North West including Kano, Jigawa and Sokoto.

Tobi noted that the overall objective is to contribute towards emancipating the poorest, underserved, and most marginalised population groups including women, girls, youths

How we are addressing out-of-school children crisis – Jigawa govt