Kebbi Committee on Out-of-School Children Seeks Assembly Partnership to tackle rising number of out-of-school children in the state.

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By: Sulaiman Ibrahim Dandanku

The Kebbi State Committee on Out-of-School Children has sought the partnership of the State House of Assembly to ensure the success of its initiative aimed at reducing the high number of out-of-school children in the state.

The committee, led by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Alhaji Kabir Labbo Jega, paid a courtesy visit to the Assembly Committee on Basic and Secondary Education.

During the meeting, Alhaji Jega expressed concern over alarming statistics that place Kebbi State among those with the highest number of out-of-school children — about 288,000, representing 64 percent of the school-age population.

He explained that research shows many of these children are from neighbouring countries such as Niger and Benin, who migrate to Kebbi as Almajirai.

To tackle the situation, the committee plans to embark on a sensitization tour across all 21 local government areas, engaging traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders on the importance of enrolling children in school.

Alhaji Jega said arrangements are underway between the Ministries of Basic and Secondary Education and Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to ensure the programme’s success.

He also appealed to the House of Assembly to make budgetary provisions to support the initiative, despite assistance already being received from UNICEF.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the House Committee on Basic and Secondary Education, Honourable Muhammad Garba Bena, commended the committee for its proactive approach.

He urged them to use the sensitization campaign to mobilize support from individuals and groups to sponsor vulnerable children, build schools, and promote educational activities.

Honourable Bena reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to improving education and addressing the out-of-school children challenge through collaboration and effective partnership.

Published on

October 7, 2025, 23:22 +00:00

AUTHOR

Saratu Ashafa