By Aliyu Yusuf
The Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu has Flagged-off a National Campaign on Out-of-School Children and commissioned Kanwa 2 Integrated Almajiri Tsangaya school at Madobi local government in Kano State.
The Minister stated that the Federal Ministry of Education is determined in ensuring that school age going children that are out-of- School are returned and retained in the schools as doing so will not only assist in reducing their number but will enhanced the educational development of the country.
Malam Adamu Adamu who was represented by the State Minister of Education, Hon. Chukuemeka Nwajiuba added that the ministry will identify out of school children so that they will be enrolled in both formal and informal schools and learning centers that are very close to their respective homes.
He urged other stakeholders to join hands with a view to ensuring that those children were given the required support and assistance to go back to school especially the indigent ones and orphans in the community.
On the issue of sensitization on Boosting Registration of Candidates for the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE), the Minister said that the program was aimed at creating awareness for enrollment drive in the Federal Unity Colleges particularly among the northern states of the country, soliciting for concerted efforts of the key players in that direction.
He therefore, commended the efforts of Kano state government in the integration of Qur’anic and Islamiyya Schools to suit the modern trend in Education.
In his Keynote Address, Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje who was represented by the commissioner of Education, Malam Muhammad Sanusi Sa’id Kiru, expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Education for considering Kano as one of the states that deserve such kind gesture.
He disclosed that Kano state on its part has been doing all withing its ability to assist the out-of- -school children by returning them back to school, appreciating the concern of federal Ministry of Education to see to the increase in the enrollment of the northern students into the Federal Unity Colleges.
On the commissioned Kanwa 2 Amajiri Tsangaya school, the commissioner said that adequate arrangements were made for the successful take off and sustenance of the school.
He revealed that after taking over the edifice from the Federal Government, Kano State Government has expended the sum of N159m for the general rehabilitation of the already dilapidated buildings, employment of 60 Alarammas to teach the pupils how to memorize the Holy Qur’an among others
The commissioner added that the state government has already provided staff quarters for the teachers, 100 KVA stand by power generating set, linking the school with National Grid of power supply, befitting students’ accommodation and the provision of food vendors and other supporting staff among others by host local government council.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non formal Education, Prof. Simon Akpama lamented that the slow progress towards mass literacy delivery in Nigeria is both alarming and embarrassing, resulting to increase in unemployment and poverty, hence the need for a viable programs and policies that will assist in reversing the ugly trend.
During the occasion, the Minister has distributed learning materials to some of the Out-Of-School Children and teaching Aids to their facilitators.
Others that spoke at the occasion are the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education Kano, Hajiya Lauratu Ado Diso, the Executive Chairman Kano State Qur’anic and Islamiyya Schools Management Board, Gwani Yahuza Gwani Danzarga, The Executive Chairman SUBEB Kano, Dr. Danlami Hayyo and the Director Basic Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. (Mrs) Folake Olatunji-David.
Aliyu Yusuf is Deputy Director, Information, Kano state Ministry of Education
