Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States have intensified efforts to address the out-of-school children crisis through a jointly funded education programme supported by the European Union (EU) and the three state governments.
The initiative, being implemented in collaboration with UNICEF, places strong emphasis on expanding and improving Early Childhood Education (ECE) as a foundation for long-term academic success.
Speaking at a media dialogue on strengthening access to quality education in the three North-West states, the Executive Chairman of Sokoto State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Alhaji Umar Nagari Tambuwal, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to reversing poor enrollment trends and reducing dropout rates.
He noted that research consistently shows that investment in children’s early years significantly improves their chances of staying in school and completing their education.
“Early childhood education is the bedrock of learning. When we get it right at that level, we reduce the risk of dropouts and improve overall educational outcomes,” he said.
Under the programme, over 160 Early Childhood Care Development centres have been strengthened with teaching and learning materials between 2024 and 2025. Additional centres are expected to benefit as implementation expands across the three states.
The intervention also includes teacher training, infrastructure support and the deployment of digital systems to monitor enrollment and track out-of-school children, particularly in underserved rural communities.
Education officials disclosed that the participating state governments are complementing European Union funding with domestic budgetary support to ensure the sustainability of the reforms.
The Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Sokoto, Micheal Juma, explained that the programme goes beyond physical infrastructure to focus on systemic improvements.
“Our focus is on building resilient education systems — improving teacher capacity, strengthening data management and ensuring smooth transition from early childhood centres to primary schools,” he said.
Stakeholders at the dialogue underscored the importance of community participation and media advocacy in driving enrollment and sustaining public awareness on the value of early learning.
With joint funding and coordinated implementation, officials expressed optimism that the programme would significantly improve access to quality early education and contribute to reducing the out-of-school population in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States.