The member representing Albasu/Gaya/Ajingi Federal constituency of Kano state, Ghali Mustapha Tijjani, has advocated for homeschooling as a means of addressing Nigeria’s struggling educational system.
This was as he sponsored two bills in the House of Representatives to provide for homeschooling in the country.
The bills are the “Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1860)” and the “Child’s Rights Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1859)”.
The Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act, which passed its first reading on Thursday, aims to provide a legal framework for homeschooling, addressing issues of access, quality, and inclusivity in education.
Speaking with The Nation on Saturday, the lawmaker said his motivation to sponsor the bill was from lessons learned during the COVID-19.
He said: “In the advanced world, their children are not hindered, their education has not been hindered. But in this part of Africa and Nigeria in particular, the educational system has been hindered. This shouldn’t have been because a child should have a right to education.”
He said any delay in a child’s learning process affects his or her progress.
Tijani highlighted the alarming number of out-of-school children in Nigeria and argued that homeschooling could bridge this gap.
“The bill gives parents the option to educate their children at home, either by hiring a local teacher or teaching them personally, using the Nigerian curriculum,” he said.
He added that this initiative would benefit vulnerable children, including those in remote areas and Almajiri children, by providing them with opportunities for formal education.
The lawmaker emphasized the potential economic advantages of homeschooling.
“Parents who choose homeschooling reduce the strain on government infrastructure and resources. It also minimizes costs associated with uniforms, transportation, and other school-related expenses,” he stated.
Additionally, Tijani argued that homeschooling could address security concerns, as children would not need to travel long distances to schools in unsafe areas.
He also touched on moral education, saying parents can better monitor their children’s moral development and shield them from negative influences often encountered in schools.
“I’m sorry to say that most of the time, recently, there are issues of immorality that happen in our primary schools and secondary schools. Therefore, we have to protect that. And parents do try as much as possible to give their children morals, to give them a very good attitude,” he said.
When asked about the challenges of implementing homeschooling, including the cost of technology and data for online learning, Tijani clarified that the bill incorporates both online and traditional homeschooling methods.
“Parents don’t necessarily need to connect to online platforms. They can follow the Nigerian curriculum with the help of local teachers or by teaching their children directly,” he explained.
Addressing concerns about a potential decline in educational standards, Tijani argued that homeschooling could enhance quality by allowing personalized, focused learning.
“Public schools often have overcrowded classrooms, making it hard for teachers to give individual attention. Homeschooling creates an environment where children can receive one-on-one guidance,” he said.
He said the bill proposes mechanisms to ensure adherence to the national curriculum and standards.
“Uniform national exams like WAEC, NECO, and Common Entrance will serve as checkpoints to measure compliance with the curriculum,” Tijani stated.
He acknowledged the current challenges in monitoring public schools but maintained that exams would ensure consistency.
Tijani emphasised that the bill would offer an alternative, not replace traditional schooling.
“It is optional. Parents who prefer conventional schools can continue, but those unable to afford it can now have a legal option to educate their children at home,” he explained.
Tijani appealed to Nigerians, particularly the media, to support the bill, describing it as a “policy for the common man.”
He expressed optimism that the bill would receive widespread backing in the legislature and among the public.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Fire Service has commenced a large-scale deployment of fire routers to all public and private buildings, including marketplaces, within the FCT.
This initiative aims to safeguard lives, properties, and businesses against fire emergencies, particularly as the peak of the dry season approaches, a time when fire incidents are more common.
In a statement by the Acting Director of the FCT Fire Service, Zacchaeus Adebayo, the initiative was described as integral to the FCT Fire Emergency Monitoring Gateway project, aimed at modernising fire response systems in the territory.
The statement reads: “The Fire Router Deployment Initiative is an integral part of the FCT Fire Emergency Monitoring Gateway project, which aims to modernize fire response systems in the territory. The fire routers will enhance real-time detection of fire incidents and facilitate swift communication with our emergency response units, drastically reducing response times and minimizing potential damages.
“Key features of the fire routers include real-time fire alerts: Immediate detection and notification of smoke or fire outbreaks. Direct connectivity to the FCT Fire Emergency Monitoring Gateway: Ensures instant communication with the FCT Fire Service for faster response.
“Increased safety for marketplaces and residential areas: Provides proactive fire monitoring for high-risk areas such as crowded markets and densely populated buildings.
“The FCT Fire Service is committed to ensuring the safety of all residents and visitors in the FCT. We urge public and private building owners, market leaders, and other stakeholders to support this initiative by granting our teams access for the installation of fire routers.
“We also remind residents of the importance of adhering to fire safety guidelines, especially during this dry season. By working together, we can significantly reduce the risk of fire incidents and build a safer community for all.
“For further inquiries or to schedule a fire router installation for your building or facility, contact the FCT Fire Service toll-free on 08000032837.
“The deployment underscores the FCT Fire Service’s dedication to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors in the Federal Capital Territory.”
Kano Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has made the timely payment of pension liabilities to the state’s thousands of retirees, a top priority of his government.
This is as the chairman of Kano State Pension Fund Trustees, Habu Fagge put the figure of inherited pension backlog at N48.6 billion.
Governor Yusuf in the middle of the year commenced the payment of N6 billion gratuities and death benefits to 5,500 pensioners across the state.
The governor had expressed determination to fulfill his campaign promises and improve the welfare of both pensioners and workers in active service in the state.
He also vowed to ensure that no pension and salary deduction occur in the state under his watch, promising to put a system that would see to the continued payment of gratuities and entitlements monthly.
Governor Yusuf has also settled an additional N5 billion in gratuity backlogs for senior citizens, benefiting 4,000 retirees under the second phase of the settlement program.
The governor said the first phase settled over N6 billion for 2,000 pensioners, while the second phase will cover N5 billion for 4,000 retirees and death benefits.
Governor Yusuf said recently that a transparent system had been established to ensure a smooth payment process, with a committee set up to oversee effective service delivery.
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has approved a minimum wage of N75,000 for workers in the Northcentral state.
Alia, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Sir Tersoo Kula, announced the new wage in Makurdi yesterday after meeting with representatives of organised Labour.
The governor, who said that the new minimum wage would take effect this month, assured that the remaining three months of the five-month backlog of salary arrears promised workers would be paid as budgeted in the 2024 budget.
He emphasised that the arrears would be paid along with the new minimum wage.
The statement reads: “We decided to set the wage at N75,000, fully aware of the other concerns raised by organised labour during the negotiations.
“These concerns included a minimum wage of N30,000, wage awards, transportation allowances, tax relief, and work-off days, among others.
“Recall that the President had approved the sum of N70,000, which we have decided to exceed, considering the concerns raised by organised labour regarding our ability to pay,” he said.
Alia restated his administration’s commitment to serve the common man and stressed that he would do everything legitimately possible to ensure the welfare of workers.
The governor added that his motivation to ensure the payment of arrears was to alleviate the effects of the harsh economy on workers.
The Kaduna State Police Command, through its Operation Fushin Kada, has arrested six kidnappers, a cattle rustler and five suspects involved in vandalism.
The operations also led to the recovery of a locally made firearm and charms.
A statement issued by the Command’s PPRO, ASP Mansir Hassan, said on November 12, 2024, four members of a kidnapping syndicate were apprehended in Rahama and Dutsen Wai village, and nearby areas.
“The suspects, Yahaya Abdullahi, Shamsu Ibrahim, Linus Obasi and Hauwa Mohammed, all from Dutsen Wai Village in Kubau LGA, were arrested.
“Abdullahi confessed to conspiring with Ibrahim to kidnap a woman from Rahama Village, who was held in Obasi’s brothel under Mohammed’s watch until a ₦3 million ransom was paid for her release,” the PPRO added.
The police spokesman also stated that in a separate operation on November 6, 2024, officers in Ikara LGA arrested two members of a gang that had been terrorising residents.
According to him, “the suspects, Surajo Hassan and Abdulhadir Usman, admitted to multiple kidnappings and robberies, including one case where a victim was held for 60 days before an ₦8 million ransom was paid.
“Both suspects disclosed receiving ₦1 million each as their share.
“On November 13, 2024, officers arrested a 27-year-old cattle rustler, Audu Abdullahi, in Kujama.
“He confessed to belonging to a syndicate operating with AK-47 rifles and other weapons.
“A search in a nearby bush led to the recovery of a locally made firearm and charms.
“Meanwhile, officers responding to a distress call from the Kaduna State Vigilance Service at the Trade Fair Complex arrested three suspects—Salisu Mohammed, Mohammed Abubakar, and Aliyu Isah—caught vandalising armored cable wires.
“They confessed to the crime and named Abubakar Garba and Isiaku Abdullahi, who were also arrested, as receivers.”
Meanwhile, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, yesterday handed over 58 people rescued during joint security operations to the Kaduna State Government.
The victims were presented by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, to the Kaduna State Chief of Staff, Sani Limankila, who represented the state governor during the ceremony.
Gen. Musa emphasised that no ransom was paid for their release.
“This rescue was achieved through the combined efforts of the military and other security agencies,” Musa said, adding that “the operation utilised both kinetic and non-kinetic methods, underscoring the need for collective effort; not just military actions.”
He highlighted the importance of collaboration at all levels, from the presidency and the Office of the National Security Adviser to the Ministry of Defence and the Kaduna State Government.
According to him, it was such synergy that enabled the successful rescue of the victims.
Musa reiterated that every Nigerian has a role to play in ensuring security, saying “if we do not work together, it will be extremely difficult to succeed. It’s a whole-of-society approach.”
He also warned against sabotage by individuals attempting to undermine government efforts, stressing that security agencies are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of all Nigerians.
“Many of us have sacrificed weekends and holidays, working day and night to achieve these successes.
“We assure Nigerians that we will continue until every captive is freed and every Nigerian can move freely across the country,” Musa said.
The CDS noted that some individuals involved in banditry were forced into it, but the military remains determined to hold perpetrators accountable for their crimes.
The National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, provided details about the victims.
He said they were kidnapped from Gayam, Sabon Layi, and Kwaga villages in Dan Musa council area of Katsina State.
Laka revealed that the joint operation, conducted by troops of 1 Division on November 14, led to their rescue.
The victims included 35 males and 23 females.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that they were kidnapped by armed bandits under the command of a notorious criminal known as Janbros.
“The victims were forced to trek hundreds of kilometers through the Birnin Gwari forest”, Laka said.
He added that following their rescue, the victims received medical care and necessary assistance to stabilise them, explaining that six victims who required hospitalization had now recovered and were reunited with the others for the handover.
Repairs of the electricity installations and equipment recently vandalised in parts of the north by unknown men have so far gulped N9billion of public funds, The Nation gathered yesterday.
The amount is besides the billions of naira worth of goods, services and man hours wasted by the blackout resulting from the vandalisation.
The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC-RFT), Nigeria Chapter put the economic losses for the entire northern region at ₦1.5 trillion.
It is estimated that Kano State alone may have incurred up N10billion in losses.
Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu told The Nation through his Special Adviser on Strategic Communication and Media Relations, Mr. Bolaji Tunji, that “N9 billion has been spent so far” by the Federal Government to repair the damaged installations and restore electricity supply to areas affected by the power interruption.
Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) Public Affairs Manager, Ndidi Mbah last month described the losses from the vandalised Shiroro – Kaduna 330kV lines 1&2 as colossal.
Each of the affected lines is capable of wheeling 600MW to the North West.
The TCN confirmed that vandals damaged towers T133 AND T136 along 330kV Shiroro– Kaduna lines 1 & 2.
The company said two towers along its 330kV Shiroro–Kaduna transmission lines one and two were vandalised, damaging parts of both transmission lines.
She said: “the vandalised Shiroro – Kaduna 330kV lines 1&2 are vital lines through which bulk power is transmitted to parts of the North West region, with each line capable of carrying 600MW.
“Vandalism of the towers and transmission lines presents a significant challenge to bulk power transmission in that axis.”
By the 21st of the same month vandals also hit the 330kV Ugwuaji – Apir transmission lines.
However , Line 1 was repaired and restored on October 30, 2024.
The reoccurring vandalism of the transmission assets is believed to be partly responsible for the incessant collapse of the national grid in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
Midway into the repairs of vandalised installations gunmen struck afresh in Kogi State on the night of November 12 and damaged the ongoing 330/132/33kV transmission substation at Obajana.
Kano loses over N10 billion to electricity supply collapse
It is estimated that Kano State which is the commercial nerve centre of the north has suffered up to N10 billion in economic losses since the prolonged outages caused by the vandalised installations.
The situation is further compounding economic and security issues, disrupting essential services, livelihood and daily life across the 44 local government areas and metropolis of Kano state.
The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC-RFT), Nigeria Chapter put the economic losses of the entire Northern region at N1.5 trillion.
The Country Director of IHRC-RFT, Nigeria Chapter, Ambassador Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, said in Kano, that government needed to do more to stabilise electricity supply.
Apart from economic losses, the health sector is badly hit by the poor electricity supply. The storage systems (for drugs and other consumables) in hospitals and clinics, for instance, have been affected greatly.
Educational institutions are not sparred while households struggle to have safe water, preserve food , charge their phones and operate computers.
Kaduna, Jos, Lokoja, Ilorin residents bemoan continued poor electricity supply
Electricity supply in many parts of Kaduna, Plateau, Kogi,and Kwara remains low and residents want those responsible for power to do more than they are doing now.
Artisans in particular appealed to government to consider their plight.
A barber in Asa Dam area of Ilorin , Moshood Mohammed (MM) wondered what the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) wants him to do with the light they provide only at night when he won’t be in his saloon to attend to clients.
“I have resorted to the use of generator set for power. The ultimate brunt bearers are our customers,” he said.
In Kogi State, communities such as Adankolo, Baptist area,Kabbawa,Road market,Kanamoro and NUJ hardly have light.
A resident of Lokoja, Mary Jimoh said she had to turn to selling roasted cat fish as the erratic public power supply being experienced in the state affected the cold store business that she was initially engaged in.
She said: “I used to run a cold fish business until early this year, selling frozen fish ,frozen chicken and frozen meat. But I had to stop the business owning to erratic public power supply.
“When things improve, I will still go back to the cold room business.”
A resident of Lamingo Road, Jos North, Jos, Emmanuel Ajang, said light is available in the area for only three or four hours daily while Garba Aliyu of Zaria Road, Jos, said , ” there is need for improvement.”
The task force was unveiled in Katsina State and is expected to uphold the integrity of the circular economy by curbing the actions of individuals who sabotage public assets, thereby threatening economic progress.
In a statement yesterday in Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris said the task force is targeted at strengthening the relationship between citizens and governmental responsibilities.
He also highlighted the recently launched Renewed Hope Circular Economy Roadmap 2024.
The minister, who was represented by the Special Assistant on Research and Strategy Saidu Ahmed, emphasised the importance of the National Values Charter which was carefully crafted to redefine the relationship between Nigerians and the country’s responsibility to its people.
Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas, cited a report showing that Nigeria generates an estimated 32 million tons of solid waste annually.
He noted that the circular economy sector has spurred a 3.2 per cent gross domestic product (GDP) increase, improved trade balance with a €4.4 billion boost from imports, and created 1.6 million additional jobs compared to a “business-as-usual” approach.
Chairman of NAK Steel Rolling Mills Company Ltd, Akilu Mohammed, lauded the Katsina State government and President Bola Tinubu’s administration for their progressive policies supporting the circular economy.
He said the Ministry of Environment was committed to sustaining sectoral growth.
NASWDEN said it would hold a national stakeholder tour to engage with government ministries, departments, agencies, and international organisations.
It said the tour is aimed at rallying support for the circular economy sector and would culminate in the first National Circular Economy Workers Summit in early 2025.
NASWDEN stated that the summit would strengthen collaboration among sector stakeholders, enhance productivity and job creation to support the nation’s economy.
Jigawa State is grappling with a critical educational crisis, with nearly 800,000 children out of school, ranking fifth in Nigeria for the highest number of out-of-school children. In response, the state government has prioritised education, implementing urgent reforms aimed at reversing this trend. In this special report, AHMED RUFA’I writes that through strategic partnerships, budgetary allocations and a renewed focus on school enrolment, the state government is committed to ensuring that every child receives the education they deserve.
Jigawa State, ranked fifth in Nigeria for the high number of out-of-school children, is currently facing a critical educational challenge. Approximately 800,000 children in the state are not attending school. In response, the administration led by Governor Malam Umar Namadi has introduced a series of new strategies aimed at addressing this longstanding issue.
Governor Namadi’s commitment to tackling this crisis stems from the alarming discovery that only 16.8% of school-age children in the state are enrolled in school. This finding underscores the scale of the problem, with a vast majority of children—around 83.2%—either roaming the streets, engaging in street begging, or involved in other forms of child labour instead of receiving an education.
The gravity of the situation was highlighted by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), which conducted a recent survey revealing the extent of the out-of-school phenomenon in Jigawa State. UNICEF’s report emphasises the urgent need for targeted interventions to ensure that children of school age receive quality education and are not left behind. Governor Namadi’s administration is now prioritising the development and implementation of policies that will reduce the number of out-of-school children and create an enabling environment for education in the state. The new strategies aim to address the root causes of this issue and provide more opportunities for children to enrol in school, reducing the number of children who are vulnerable to exploitation and marginalisation.
Speaking at a recent commitment meeting with the Jigawa State House of Assembly in Kaduna, Mohammed Farah, Chief of UNICEF’s Kano Field Office, revealed that only 16.8% of children in the state are currently enrolled in school. Farah explained that 44% of primary school-age children and 52% of secondary school-age children in Jigawa are not attending school, creating a significant educational gap and depriving these children of their fundamental right to universal basic education. He also highlighted the alarmingly low levels of foundational literacy and numeracy in the state. Farah urged the state legislature to take immediate action, calling for substantial reforms ahead of the next Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), which is scheduled for 2026/2027. He emphasised the need for a radical shift in the state’s educational landscape to address these pressing issues.
In response to these concerns, UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to working with the government of Jigawa to reduce the number of out-of-school children and improve the overall quality of education in the state. Addressing the situation, the Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, declared a state of emergency in education. He stressed that the legislators were fully aware of the crisis, which is why education has been prioritised in the state’s 2024 budget, with 32% of the budget allocated to the sector. Additionally, Dangyatin noted that the state has already begun efforts to restructure its education system by creating separate ministries for Basic and Higher Education and implementing wide-ranging reforms aimed at improving educational standards.
As part of their commitment to tackling this issue, the 30 members of the state House of Assembly signed an agreement with UNICEF to reduce the number of out-of-school children by 42% between September 2024 and the first quarter of 2025. Following the meeting, UNICEF organised an interactive session with relevant stakeholders in the education sector to plan a comprehensive school enrolment campaign across all 30 constituencies in the state. This session, supported by the European Union, took place in Dutse, the state capital, and aimed to mobilise support and resources for the campaign to boost school enrolment in Jigawa. Fielding questions from journalists at the venue of the interactive session, Mr Muttaqa Muktar Muhammad, Education Specialist at UNICEF’s Kano Field Office, explained that the session was part of a broader initiative aimed at improving education and youth employment. The project is managed by UNICEF, funded by the European Union, and implemented in partnership with both the state and local government authorities.
Mr Muhammad highlighted that the Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board, in collaboration with the European Union and UNICEF, organised the interactive session to plan a comprehensive school enrolment campaign across the state’s 30 constituencies. “We are here today to support efforts aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children in Jigawa State,” he said. “As you may have heard during the discussions, Jigawa ranks eighth among the states in Nigeria with the highest number of out-of-school children.”
He further emphasised that education is a fundamental right for every child, as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This, he said, underscores the urgent need for collective action by all stakeholders to ensure that every child in the state has access to education. Mr Muhammad also commended the Jigawa State Government for allocating 32% of its annual budget to education, noting that this commitment exceeds the United Nations’ benchmark for education funding.
“The Jigawa State Government is investing significant resources to ensure that children benefit from their right to education. As you know, 32% of the total 2024 budget has been allocated to education. We are pleased to have a strong partnership with the 30 members of the Jigawa State House of Assembly,” said Mr. Muhammad. On the 7th of this month, we held a commitment meeting with all the members of the House of Assembly, where they all agreed to reduce the number of out-of-school children by 42% in their respective constituencies. Each member signed a commitment with UNICEF to tackle this issue within their constituencies. This is a significant step forward,” he added.
Muhammad explained that the purpose of the meeting was to bring together all relevant stakeholders to support the reduction of out-of-school children. “Our aim is to devise an action plan, coordinate our efforts, and accelerate the reduction of out-of-school children in Jigawa State,” he stated. He also pointed out the diversity of the participants at the meeting, which included representatives from various sectors across the state. “We had participants from the State House of Assembly, chief executives from education sectors, LGA support teams, traditional rulers, Mothers’ Associations, the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), and community-based organisations (CBOs). All of these groups are working together to organise an enrolment drive that will facilitate coverage across all 30 constituencies in the 27 local government areas of Jigawa State.”
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof Haruna Musa, highlighted that the primary objective of the meeting was to address the pressing issue of out-of-school children, a challenge for which Jigawa is ranked among the seven most affected states in Nigeria. Prof Musa stated, “The issue of out-of-school children in the state has been a major concern for the government. It is something that has been disturbing us and keeping us awake at night, especially when we see children wandering the streets with no purpose. In the 21st century, education is key, and every child deserves at least a basic level of education—learning to read and write is fundamental.”
He further explained the strategies the government has put in place to address this issue. “For these reasons, we have been engaging with communities and stakeholders, holding numerous meetings, particularly with mothers. We have developed a strategy involving mothers’ associations at the school level. The aim is threefold: first, we want them to monitor their children’s learning outcomes; second, to ensure they are safeguarding their children; and third, to address the issue of out-of-school children. We want mothers to work on persuading parents who neglect their children’s education to send them back to school, as we believe that leaving children to roam the streets exposes them to serious risks—not only to themselves but also to their communities. This is our target.”
Prof Musa also referenced recent events to highlight the severity of the issue. “What happened during the last protest is a clear indication that we have serious issues on the ground. The children involved were not Almajiri; they were children from the local communities who are not attending school, and whose parents have lost control over them. There is an urgent need for parents to take responsibility—to send their children to school, to monitor their academic progress, and to ensure their safety. As a mother, it is crucial to be concerned about where your child is going and what they are doing. You must make sure that they are engaged in something constructive and that nothing harmful happens to them, especially in terms of their character. This is very, very important.”
“In this effort, we are working to re-engage parents, the MBMC, as well as mothers’ associations. We have also involved Imams and religious leaders to ensure that all hands are on deck to address this issue. It is unfortunate, but we are committed to resolving it. We are focusing on this issue and want everyone to come on board and work together. We seek full collaboration to achieve our goal of tackling the menace of out-of-school children in the state,” the don said. He further stated that the forum would develop and agree on an accelerated plan to reduce the number of out-of-school children in the state.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the House Committee on Education and member representing Gwaram Constituency, Ado Yakubu Zandam, pledged the full support of the legislature to ensure the success of the school enrolment drive across their respective constituencies. Zandam acknowledged that the issue of out-of-school children had long been a source of concern for both parents and the government. He said, “We recognise the urgency of this matter, and the legislature is fully committed to addressing this crisis.”
As part of the implementation of the agreement made with UNICEF to reduce the number of out-of-school children by 42% across the 30 constituencies, Zandam has successfully enrolled over 9,000 out-of-school children through the Sarkin Dawaki Education Foundation, which he founded. This initiative was part of his ongoing efforts to reduce the out-of-school rate in his constituency. Zandam, who is also the Chairman of the Jigawa State Assembly’s Committee for Universal Basic Education, made this announcement while speaking at Nasarawa village in Gwaram Local Government Area, shortly after presenting free school uniforms to 180 children in the village.
The lawmaker explained, “I was both devastated and encouraged by the findings of the Foundation, which revealed that there are over 20,000 out-of-school children in Gwaram Local Government Area. This report has motivated me to push even harder for solutions to this pressing issue.” Zandam, Chairman of the Foundation, explained that the foundation had also conducted research to identify the causes of the rising number of out-of-school children in the area. “Some of the key factors contributing to this issue include poverty, long distances to schools, and misunderstandings between some communities,” he said. The lawmaker emphasised that the gesture of providing school uniforms was part of his broader initiative to address the problem of out-of-school children in the region.
Zandam stated that his foundation had collaborated with traditional and religious leaders, as well as the chairmen and members of the Community-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) of primary and junior secondary schools across all 11 political wards in Gwaram Local Government Area. This collaboration aims to ensure that all newly enrolled, returning, and continuing students attend school regularly. He further explained, “A total of 30 pupils were selected from six schools in the area, with four nomadic schools and two conventional schools benefiting from the gesture, which is worth N2.8 million. This initiative aims to support children from poor families who are unable to afford uniforms and other school essentials necessary for attending school.”
According to him, 20 males and 10 females from each of the six selected schools benefited from this support. He also stressed that the foundation is working closely with religious and community leaders, parents, and School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) to ensure that all eligible children in the area are enrolled in school. “Addressing the issue of out-of-school children requires a collaborative effort,” Honourable Zandam stated. “As a lawmaker and Chairman of the House Committee on Basic Education, we have introduced several programmes and policies to identify the challenges our children face in accessing education.”
He continued, “Through these efforts, we have identified several obstacles that prevent children from attending school in various areas, and we are actively working to address them. For instance, I set up a committee that discovered there are over 20,000 out-of-school children in Gwaram Local Government Area. In response, we have selected 450 schools under my education foundation to provide them with teaching and learning materials.”
The lawmaker further highlighted that the lack of access to water and the absence of schools in some communities were identified as major obstacles preventing children from attending school. “We are addressing these challenges by providing sources of water in these areas. Additionally, we are collaborating with the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to establish schools in communities where they are lacking, ensuring that children can attend school without any hindrance,” he explained.
“Going forward, we will be meeting regularly with community leaders and the School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) to facilitate the reintegration of out-of-school children. Headmasters will also be tasked with taking attendance of students who fail to attend school from Monday to Friday. The names of these children will be forwarded to the village heads, and then to their parents, to ensure prompt and appropriate action,” he assured.
Further findings by our reporter in the state revealed that the Jigawa State Government, under the leadership of Governor Malam Umar Namadi, has prioritised education as one of the core pillars of his 12-point agenda, with nearly all his policies and programmes focused on this goal. One of the first strategic steps taken to address the out-of-school children crisis was the establishment of a fully-fledged Ministry of Universal Basic Education. Governor Namadi appointed an experienced educationist and policy expert as commissioner to lead the ministry, signalling his administration’s commitment to improving the educational sector.
In a major step to professionalise the teaching workforce, Governor Namadi confirmed and presented permanent, pensionable employment to over 3,143 qualified teachers who had previously worked as casual staff for years. This offer of permanent employment was made during a colourful ceremony at the Malam Aminu Kano Triangle in Dutse, following a rigorous screening and selection process. Governor Namadi explained, “As part of our commitment to the implementation of our 12-point agenda, we have made the teachers who served as temporary staff for two years permanent, after they successfully passed the necessary examinations. All 3,143 teachers were recruited based on merit, and we are confident they will provide quality education to our children.”
He also noted that the newly recruited teachers would be closely monitored, and any individual who failed to comply with the employment rules would be dismissed. “We will ensure that all teachers uphold the standards expected of them,” the governor emphasised. In addition, Governor Namadi has approved contracts for the renovation of primary and junior secondary schools that were damaged by windstorms across all 27 local government areas of the state. The renovation project will cost a total of over one billion naira.
Residents of Birnin Gwari Local Government Area in Kaduna State have called for a coordinated bombardment of forests in the area to flush out terrorists who now ‘’govern their land.’’
They said through the Birnin-Gwari Emirate Development Union (BEPU) Chairman, Ishaq Kasai, that the terrorists led by Yellow Jambros extort them by compelling them to enter into a deal.
The residents cited last Sunday’s destruction of 400 bags of maize worth millions of Naira by bandits in Kwaga and Unguwar Zako villages as one of the prices they have had to pay for seeking a way to protect themselves.
Kasai, who spoke with The Nation yesterday, attributed the attacks on the farms to a breakdown of a peace deal between the communities and the Yellow Jambros-led group.
He said that the porous nature of the Western part of Birnin Gwari makes it easy for terrorists to move freely into villages in the council.
The council shares boundary with Niger, Kebbi and Zamfara states.
Kasai said: ‘’What happened on Sunday night is that, there is a failed peace deal between some areas around Kwoga, Zoko, and Gayam area which is being covered by one notorious bandit kingpin called Yellow Jambros and his team.
“For Birnin Gwari area and indeed the entire Northwest to have peace, military authorities should send troops to Kuduru, Kamuku, Kuyanbana, and Kuzamani forests.
“In all those areas, there are hundreds of camps of these bandits, they have been kidnapping and taking people to these forests and there is not enough security action to reach those particular flashpoints.
“Therefore, there is a need for coordinated inter-state military operations between, Kaduna, Niger, and Zamfara. Let it be a simultaneous operation. Let us not just stay on the road or in particular communities.
“The bandits are permanently in the forests, they are not moving. They (bandits) tell community people that, the government can only boast but cannot come to meet them in the forests.
“Whenever there is an operation in Zamfara, you will see bandits moving freely in forests of Birnin Gwari and Niger states. But when the operation is over in Zamfara, they will move back from Niger through Birnin Gwari forests to Zamfara.
“The Western part of Birnin Gwari which shares boundary with Niger, Kebbi, and Zamfara is still porous up till today and bandits move freely and govern people in that area with impunity.
“Only a coordinated security operation will end the madness and clear these bandits once and for all. Reactive measures will never take us anywhere.”
The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi, has said his mission is to ensure that the All Progressives Congress (APC) regain Kano State.
Abdullahi said this while addressing reporters yesterday in Kano during his homecoming visit the state after his successful screening by the Senate.
The former Kano State House of Assembly’s Majority Leader, Speaker, and later Adviser to the Governor, was confident that with his appointment, the APC has all it takes to once again become the state’s ruling party in 2027 general election.
“My appointment, as you saw during the screening, is mainly for political reasons. APC had lost Kano State to the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and now APC wants to take over the state. The major problem is about Kano Central, and I am from Kano Central.
“Kano Central has the highest block votes with 65 per cent of the registered voters. Unfortunately, there was no major appointment from Kano Central. But now that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed me from this state’s geopolitical zone, APC now has all it takes to regain Kano,” he said.
Expressing appreciation to the President and APC leaders for his appointment, the new state minister said: “I wish to assure that, as you can see the warm reception accorded me, come 2027, APC and President Tinubu will win Kano. This is my assurance to the President, in shaa Allah.”
Commenting on the Federal Government’s housing project in Kano and other states, the minister of state said he had been briefed by the ministry’s directors on what is going on.
“I am going to start visiting the project sites and all the other 13 projects for the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President. Therefore, I will work tirelessly to make sure all these projects are completed in no distant time, even though some of them are at their early stage of construction.
“We must thank Mr. President. Besides several appointments given to Kano State, the administration, in its policy of the Renewed Hope Agenda
