In a groundbreaking effort to enhance girl-child education in Katsina State, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in partnership with the state government, has successfully re-enrolled 4,000 out-of-school adolescent girls, marking a significant milestone in educational reform.
Umar Nata’ala, Acting Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the Department of Girl-Child Education and Child Development, announced this achievement during a stakeholders’ meeting on education reform.
Beyond re-enrollment, the initiative is equipping over 6,000 girls with essential skills in basic literacy, life development, and vocational training. To foster a safer learning environment, 400 proprietors of Tsangaya (Islamic) schools have also been trained in child protection measures.
Jamila Abdu-Mani, Special Adviser to Governor Dikko Radda on Girl-Child Education, underscored the program’s importance in bridging educational gaps. She revealed that data collection efforts have identified 148,252 out-of-school girls and Almajiri children, enabling the government to design targeted interventions.
UNICEF’s Child Protection Officer, Rahila Manasseh, emphasized sustainability measures, including the establishment of Community Adolescent Hubs in key local government areas. These hubs will provide ongoing education, life skills training, and mentorship opportunities for young girls.
Local government officials and community leaders have pledged their full support, recognizing the program’s vital role in empowering girls and ensuring access to quality education across the state.
This initiative reaffirms the commitment of UNICEF and the Katsina State government to fostering inclusive education, breaking barriers for young girls, and securing a brighter future for the next generation.
