Commission reaffirms commitment to enrol 10m kids by 2027

Almajiri Children

•Kaduna spends N4b yearly on school feeding programme

As Nigerian Muslims join the rest of the world to commemorate the Eid-el-Kabir, the National Commission for Almajiri and out-of-school Children’s Education (NCAOOSCE) has reaffirmed its commitment to enrolling 10 million out-of-school children by 2027.

A statement yesterday in Abuja by the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer Commission, Dr Muhammad Sani Idris, called on stakeholders to renew their dedication to education as a fundamental right for every child.

Education, he emphasised, remains the cornerstone for “unlocking the potential of our youth and empowering them to contribute meaningfully to the society.”

The executive secretary said: “I am pleased to acknowledge President Bola Tinubu’s resolute efforts to eradicate the challenges faced by Almajiri and out-of-school children in Nigeria.”

His commitment to education and human capital development underscores his administration’s steadfast dedication to the welfare of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable.

“Looking forward, the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education (NCAOOSCE) reaffirms its commitment to enrolling 10 million out-of-school children in school by 2027.

“Additionally, we are actively working to integrate Western education into the Almajiri school curriculum, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience that prepares these children for a brighter future.”

Idris added: “We will continue to collaborate tirelessly with stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Education, state governments, and development partners, to address the multifaceted challenges faced by these vulnerable children.
“President Tinubu’s leadership and unwavering support have been instrumental in advancing our goals thus far. Together, we are confident in our ability to make a significant impact and ensure that every child has access to quality education, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances.”

Meanwhile, the Kaduna State government said it spends N4 billion yearly on school feeding programme to boost school enrolment.

Special Assistant to Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna state on School Feeding, Dr Fauziya Buhari Ado, made this known in a statement yesterday in Abuja.

Stating that no fewer than 25,000 students in 51 boarding schools across the 23 local government areas benefit from the programme since the feeding cost was improved from N540 to N700 per child daily, translating to about N4 billion yearly spending.

She said the initiative, which has significantly boosted school enrolment and daily attendance, has equally stimulated local economies by sourcing food from local farmers and vendors, providing them with a stable market and contributing to economic growth within the state.

Reiterating her resolve to ensure compliance with menu guidelines, food quality, quantity, hygiene standards, and timely service delivery, she remarked that the state government has been saved millions of Naira due to verification of the beneficiaries of the programme in an open and transparent manner.

She said the success of the project stands as a testament to Governor Sani’s vision and dedication to the well-being of the people of Kaduna State.

Underlining the essence of the programme, the aide noted: “In these challenging times, our schools have become beacons of hope and safety for our children. The school feeding programme has relieved parents of the burden of providing for their children’s basic needs, ensuring that no child goes hungry.

“This act alone sends a powerful signal that Kaduna State stands as one, united people. Our children come from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, yet they thrive as one, sleeping together, eating together, and studying together with no differences.

“This unity is the cornerstone of our strength as a state, and it is exemplified through initiatives like the school feeding programme.”