Sensitisation on expanding education access for out-of-school children

It is with immense pleasure and a deep sense of responsibility that I welcome you all to this very important occasion of the State-Level Sensitization of Education Critical Stakeholders on Expanding Access to Education for Children in Rural and Underserved Communities and Out-of-School Children, as well as the official flag-off of the disbursement of Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT), School Improvement Grants (SIG), and the distribution of learning materials.

I wish to sincerely acknowledge the presence of our distinguished traditional and religious leaders, development partners, members of the State Executive Council, Honourable Members of the State House of Assembly, Local Government Chairmen, education administrators, civil society organizations, school-based management committees, teachers, parents, community leaders, and all other stakeholders who have continued to support our collective effort towards transforming the education sector in Katsina State.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen,

Education remains the bedrock of sustainable development and the most valuable investment any responsible government can make for the prosperity of its people. It is therefore the firm commitment of this administration to ensure that every child, irrespective of location, gender, social status, or economic background, has access to free, equitable, inclusive, and quality basic education.

Since assuming office, our administration has implemented deliberate and strategic intervention aimed at improving access, equity, and quality in basic education across Katsina State. We recognize that the challenge of out-of-school children requires practical, community-driven, and sustainable solutions. Consequently, we have continued to invest heavily in programmes designed to remove barriers preventing children from enrolling in and completing basic education.

Through the implementation of various education intervention programmes, thousands of learners have been successfully mainstreamed into the formal education system. We have also procured and distributed school uniforms, exercise books, writing materials, and other essential learning resources to vulnerable children across the State. Furthermore, this administration has continued to sustain the payment of Integrated Qur'anic Schools (IQS) teachers, thereby strengthening the integration of Qur'anic education with formal basic education. These interventions have significantly reduced the number of out-of-school children in Katsina State while improving school enrolment, attendance, retention, and completion rates.

In the same vein, this administration has continued to construct, rehabilitate, and renovate schools across rural and underserved communities in order to provide safe, accessible, and child-friendly learning environments. These projects are part of our broader commitment to ensuring that no community is left behind in our educational development agenda.

Distinguished guests,

Recognizing that teachers remain the backbone of every successful education system, this administration recently recruited 1,500 qualified primary school teachers to strengthen the delivery of quality education in public primary schools. I am pleased to state that a significant number of these newly recruited teachers have been deployed to rural and underserved schools where teacher shortages were most severe. This strategic deployment will undoubtedly improve classroom instruction, enhance learning outcomes, and provide every child with the opportunity to receive quality education irrespective of where he or she resides.

Today's event marks yet another important milestone in our determination to eliminate barriers to education among vulnerable children.

I am delighted to officially flag off the disbursement of Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) to 5,075 beneficiaries drawn from rural and underserved communities across the State. This intervention is designed to support poor and vulnerable households, encourage regular school attendance, reduce absenteeism, and discourage child labour and early marriage, which often contribute to school dropout.

Similarly, 66 selected primary schools will receive School Improvement Grants (SIG) to enable School-Based Management Committees and school authorities undertake priority interventions that will improve the learning environment, enhance school management, and create a more conducive atmosphere for effective teaching and learning.

In addition, to ensure that vulnerable children have the necessary learning materials to remain in school, this administration will distribute educational support materials comprising:

• 12,675 dozens of exercise books;
• 12,675 dozens of pencils;
• 12,675 pairs of school shoes; and
• 12,675 school bags.

These materials will be provided not only to the 5,075 beneficiaries of the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme but also to other identified vulnerable and orphaned children who have not yet benefited from the CCT programme. This demonstrates our unwavering commitment to ensuring that no deserving child is denied access to education because of poverty or lack of essential learning materials.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The success of these interventions depends not only on government but also on the collective commitment of parents, traditional institutions, religious leaders, community members, School-Based Management Committees, teachers, and development partners. I therefore call upon every stakeholder to become an advocate for children's education by encouraging parents to enroll their children in school, ensuring regular attendance, and protecting every child's right to quality education.

Let me also express the profound appreciation of the Government and people of Katsina State to our esteemed development partners, particularly those supporting the Transforming Education System for States (TESS) Programme and other education initiatives. Your partnership continues to complement our efforts towards building a stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient education system.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen,

This administration will continue to accord the highest priority to education because we firmly believe that education remains the most reliable instrument for eradicating poverty, promoting social justice, creating opportunities, and building a prosperous society. The future of Katsina State depends on the quality of education we provide to our children today.

I therefore appeal to all stakeholders to join hands with government to ensure that every school-aged child is enrolled, attends school regularly, and receives qualitative education that will prepare them to become productive citizens and future leaders of our great State.

Together, let us continue to build an educated, enlightened, peaceful, and prosperous Katsina State.

On this note, it is my honour and privilege to officially declare the State-Level Sensitization Programme, the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) Disbursement, the School Improvement Grant (SIG) Programme, and the Distribution of Learning Materials officially flagged off.

Thank you all for your attention.

May Allah (SWT) continue to bless Katsina State, the Federal Republic of Nigeria.