The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on education stakeholders in Kano State to intensify efforts toward reducing the rising number of out-of-school children.
The call was made during a one-day stakeholders’ consultation on the Accelerated Basic Education Programme (ABEP).
The event, organized by UNICEF with funding from the European Union, sought to address the systemic barriers keeping children out of the classroom.
Speaking at the event, UNICEF Chief of Field Services, Judith Leveillee, emphasized that the dialogue is a critical step in overcoming persistent challenges such as poverty, disability, gender disparity, and socio-cultural barriers.
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“The success of this programme depends on strong collaboration among government institutions, civil society organizations, communities, and development partners,” Leveillee stated.
She further urged stakeholders to focus not only on enrolment but also on improving learning outcomes for those already in the school system.
The ABEP is designed as a fast-track learning pathway for over-age and out-of-school children.
The ABEP model specifically targets children between the ages of 10 and 18 who have either never attended school or dropped out early.
By condensing the six-year primary school curriculum into a three-year intensive program, the initiative provides a second chance for marginalized youth to transition back into mainstream education or vocational training.
Focusing on core competencies in literacy, numeracy, and life skills..
Engaging local leaders to reduce the stigma associated with late-stage enrollment.
While the European Union’s funding provides the necessary support, stakeholders at the meeting underscored that long-term success requires local ownership.
Discussions cantered on the need for the Kano State Government to increase budgetary allocations for basic education and infrastructure to ensure that once children are enrolled, they have safe and conducive environments in which to learn.
As the consultation concluded, the consensus was clear: the crisis of out-of-school children in Kano is not merely an educational issue, but a socio-economic one that threatens the state’s future productivity.
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“Every child out of school is a missed opportunity for development,” remarked one participant.
With the ABEP framework now on the table, the focus shifts from dialogue to the urgent implementation of these strategies across Kano’s 44 local government areas.
