The Kano State Commissioner for Education, Muhammad Sanusi-Kiru, says over 500,000 out-of-school children in the state are now back to school as the state’s school enrolment level has increased tremendously.
Sanusi-Kiru disclosed this to newsmen in Kano on Thursday ahead of the maiden International Day of Education, scheduled for Friday in Kano.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the event, with the theme: “Learning for People, Planet, Prosperity and Peace,” is being organised by the United Nations Children’s Fund.
The commissioner said the state witnessed drastic increase in school enrolment, following numerous intensive interventions initiated by the Governor Abdullahi Ganduje-led administration, especially the recent declaration of free and compulsory education.
Sanusi-Kiru added that the state government had also constructed and renovated schools at the cost of over N400 million to address issues of congestion in classrooms, arising from the increase in enrolment.
He said: “The 2018 report of the World Bank said that Kano has over 900,000 out-of-school children.
“But our own statistics, as I am talking to you, is revealing over 400,000.
“Their own statistics was in 2018 and that was before the introduction of this free and compulsory education in the state.
“So with the introduction, we are saying that no parent should pay a kobo for his children.
“We are going to feed and give them uniform and instructional materials free of charge.
“The only thing you need to do as a parent is to ensure that your children go to school.
“That is why the enrolment is increasing now.
“In a matter of one or two years, we are not going to talk about private schools anymore because government is providing everything free of charge.”
Sanusi-Kiru gave the assurance that by 2021, donors peeping to see out-of-school children would not find any in the state again.
The commissioner said plans were underway to also employ about 7,000 teachers and disburse additional 4,000 pieces of furniture to schools.
Trending
- Breaking: Veteran Yoruba actor, Ogunjimi is dead
- EX-PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS DEMISE OF SIDI ALI, DR. BAFFA YO
- Japa Crises: 58,000 of 130,000 registered doctors renewed licence, says MDCN
- 34-Km Ikorodu-Itokin Road Reconstruction: Gov Sanwo-Olu, Senator Abiru Pay Thank You Visit To Works Minister, Umahi, Make Case For Road Dualisation
- Yahaya Bello: EFCC Chairman’s conduct suggest vendetta, not fight against corruption – Concerned APC chieftains
- LASG Promote Environment Hygiene, Steps up Campaign to end open Defecation
- Odumeje ‘Indaboski’ is a true man of God, says Nkechi Blessing
- Workers trapped as building collapses in Kano