By Bala Ibrahim
The Jigawa State House of Assembly, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has initiated a campaign to address the alarming number of out-of-school children in the state.
Jigawa is ranked among the top ten states in Nigeria with the highest number of out-of-school children, with an estimated 700,000 children currently roaming the streets, according to UNESCO data.
The campaign underscores the determination of Jigawa’s 30 Assembly members and the state government to tackle the issue.
The initiative aims to reduce the number of out-of-school children across the state’s 27 local government areas by 90% by 2030, in line with the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking at the campaign’s launch in Miga Local Government Area, the Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Haruna Aliyu Dangyatum, highlighted the efforts to reintegrate children into the education system.
“Under my leadership, we launched the enrolment campaign to return out-of-school children to school across all 30 constituencies in the state,” he stated.
“What you are witnessing today has been held across various constituencies to ensure that no child is left out of school.”
The Speaker also announced the re-enrolment of 300 children in the Sabuwar Dallan community as a significant milestone.
“Re-enrolling 300 children in school at Sabuwar Dallan marks a significant step toward ensuring that all 8,000 school-age children in Miga return to the classroom. We remain committed to this goal in collaboration with the state government and other partners,” he said.
To support the children’s return to school, essential learning materials, including school uniforms, bags, and exercise books, were distributed during the event.
Mr Aliyu reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to sustaining the initiative across the state.
“The Assembly will continue this effort until every child in Jigawa receives their right to education,” he assured.
The campaign represents a collaborative effort between UNICEF, the state government, and lawmakers to address one of Jigawa’s most pressing developmental challenges.
