Massive Investment in Katsina’s Education Sector Governor Dikko Umar Radda has revealed that the Katsina State Government has invested a staggering N120 billion in the education sector since 2022. This funding has facilitated the construction of over 150 new schools and several initiatives aimed at improving the quality of education in the state. Speaking in an exclusive Arise TV interview, Governor Radda emphasized that education remains the top priority in Katsina’s development agenda. He further explained that the investment covers multiple aspects, including teacher training, infrastructure development, and teacher welfare enhancements. “Since 2022, we have invested about N120 billion in education, focusing on training teachers, expanding infrastructure, and enhancing teachers’ welfare. This commitment is reflected in the state’s 2024 and 2025 budget, where education received the highest allocation.” Expansion of Schools and Teacher Recruitment To bridge the gap between primary and secondary education, the state has launched an aggressive school expansion project and teacher recruitment drive. Over 7,000 teachers have been recruited to enhance learning quality, while more than 150 junior and secondary schools have been constructed. Governor Radda noted that: “We have built over 150 new secondary schools to balance the transition from primary to secondary education. Of these, 75 schools have been completed, while 75 are still under construction.” He stressed the importance of well-trained educators in delivering quality education: “You cannot improve education without adequate and well-trained teachers to instruct students.” Addressing Out-of-School Children in Katsina Reports from UNICEF’s Kano Field Office, led by Rahama Mohammed Farah, indicate that 536,112 children in Katsina are currently out of school. Furthermore, learning outcomes among students remain critically low. While acknowledging the out-of-school children crisis, Governor Radda expressed doubts about the accuracy of the figures, citing ongoing improvements in the education sector. “Yes, we have out-of-school children, but I disagree with the reported figures. We have significantly invested in education, and the numbers must have improved by now.” To tackle this issue, the Katsina State Government has introduced several measures, including: ✅ Increasing classroom capacity✅ Recruiting more teachers✅ Upgrading infrastructure and school facilities✅ Encouraging parental involvement in education✅ Establishing community-based education committees These initiatives aim to reduce the number of out-of-school children and ensure better access to education for all. Conclusion With N120 billion allocated to education, 150 new schools, and 7,000 teachers recruited, Katsina State is making huge strides in transforming its educational landscape. The government’s continued investment aims to boost literacy rates, improve school infrastructure, and address the issue of out-of-school children in the region. Governor Radda reaffirmed the state’s commitment, stating that education will remain the top priority to secure a brighter future for Katsina’s youth. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has renewed its pledge to support the education sector in Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina states, aiming to reduce the significant number of out-of-school children in these areas. This was disclosed by Rahama Mohammed-Farah, the UNICEF Chief of Kano Field Office, during a press briefing held on Friday to commemorate the 2025 International Day of Education (IDE) in Kano. Alarming Statistics on Out-of-School Children North-West Nigeria ranks as the region with the second-highest number of out-of-school children in the country. According to the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2021, Nigeria has approximately 10.2 million out-of-school primary-level children, with 16% residing in Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina states. In particular, Katsina State faces a severe challenge, recording 536,112 out-of-school children. Mohammed-Farah emphasized that the issue is compounded by poor learning outcomes for children who are fortunate to attend school. UNICEF’s Interventions and Commitments UNICEF has outlined strategic interventions aimed at addressing these challenges: Psychosocial and Technological Support UNICEF is also committed to supporting children affected by conflicts and trauma through psychosocial programs, fostering resilience, and ensuring they thrive in a safe educational setting. Additionally, the organization has introduced innovative digital solutions like the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP). This platform offers over 15,000 curriculum-aligned resources and has so far registered 182,170 children, teachers, and parents. It provides free access to educational content, bridging learning gaps and promoting inclusive education. Call to Action Mohammed-Farah urged state governments to allocate and release more funds for basic education to address these critical issues. She highlighted education as a fundamental human right and a driving force behind societal development. The Bigger Picture By addressing the education challenges in Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina states, UNICEF is contributing to a brighter future for children in these regions. Their efforts underline the need for a collaborative approach involving governments, communities, and organizations to ensure no child is left behind. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has revealed that approximately 4.9 million children in Nigeria are in dire need of humanitarian assistance. This alarming statistic was highlighted in UNICEF’s 2024 State of Nigeria’s Children Report, which underscores the pressing challenges faced by the nation’s youngest population. Alarming Figures and Challenges Nigeria, home to 110 million children—nearly half of its total population—faces stark realities: Education in Crisis Education remains a critical concern, with 18.3 million children out of school, including: Other distressing educational statistics include: Violence and Protection The report revealed that 90% of children under five years have experienced some form of violence, further exacerbating the challenges of a safe and healthy upbringing. Call for Increased Investments UNICEF Representative Cristian Munduate emphasized the need for greater investments in health, education, and child protection. She urged that Nigeria must prioritize its children, stating, “The prosperity of Nigeria should start with children. Resources must reach the most vulnerable to address malnutrition, lack of education, violence, and health disparities.” Munduate also noted that the current budget allocations for education and health fall below international benchmarks, hindering efforts to address these critical issues. Government and Private Sector Commitment Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, affirmed that Nigerian children remain a top priority for the government. He noted that the report would guide planning and implementation of impactful programs to tackle these challenges, stating, “Through accelerated economic growth, social protection programs, and investments in nutrition and maternal-child health, we are committed to reducing child poverty.” Tayo Aduloju, CEO of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, described the situation as an existential crisis, warning that the nation’s future economic competitiveness and human capital development are at risk. He pledged ongoing support from the private sector to address these pressing issues. Call to Action The report concludes with an urgent appeal to stakeholders across government, private sector, and civil society to rally around the needs of Nigerian children. Programs aimed at improving nutrition, ensuring education access, and addressing violence are not just interventions—they are a lifeline for the future of Nigeria. READ ALSO:
