Katsina State recorded reduction in out-of-school children, says  UNICEF

According to him, the transition rate to secondary school in Katsina state stands at 69.5 per cent lower than the national average of 84 per cent and the northwest average of 70 per cent, with fewer girls transitioning to secondary school than boys.

“Only 9.2 per cent, and 13.3 per cent of children in grade-3 were able to demonstrate reading and numeracy skills respectively in Katsina state compared to the national average of 26.8 and 25.3 in reading and numeracy skills respectively.

“To mitigate against the declining state of education in terms of access, participation and quality of learning outcomes, UNICEF, and partners supported the state and governments in the Northwest to reprioritise investments in education.

”This has resulted to increased financing to education, increase in the number of newly recruited teachers, provides over 100,000 social cash transfers to keep children from the poorest families in school, and also enrolled over 123,575 learners, boys, and girls, on the Nigeria Learning Passport platform in the last two year

“Creation of 500 community learning hubs in 10 frontline local government areas, engaged radio stations to broadcast radio learning programmes, and provided solar radios and memory sticks in support of alternative learning solutions,” he said.

Farah said that UNICEF and other partners also supported the government to launch a strategy that provides equal opportunities to all children to enroll, participate, transition and complete school by children in Frontline areas.

He added that the state was supported to create an enabling environment for a second chance education for girls through Re-Entry guidelines that provide opportunities for pregnant and married girls to re-enroll and complete their education.

He said that UNICEF would like to engage the media as equal partners in education development and ensure that every parent, community, traditional and religious leader is aware of the government of Katsina and its partners’ priorities.

UNICEF distributed 2,760 radio devices to local communities affected by insecurity to ensure easy access to learning for children in the areas. (NAN)