Jigawa State Government has commended UNICEF and the European Union (EU) for their impactful interventions in the education sector across the state.
The Executive Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Professor Haruna Musa, stated this at a three-day Local Education Sector Operational Plan (LESOP) review and development workshop held in Dutse.
UNICEF and the EU are supporting the state government in reviewing and developing the state’s Education Strategic Operational Plan through the Education and Youth Empowerment Programme.
According to him, the document will serve as a guide for improving the education sector in the state.
Professor Haruna Musa added that the main focus of the initiative is to address challenges related to learning outcomes and the growing number of out-of-school children.
Also speaking, the UNICEF Kano field office Education Manager, Mr Michael Banda reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to partner the Jigawa state government to reinvigorate the basic education sector.
He described the exercise as an important step towards strengthening the education sector planning and implementation framework in the state.
Banda pointed out that, by reviewing and updating the LESOP, the state is demonstrating a commitment to evidence based decision making, accountability, and community participation, which are important ingredients for transforming education at the local level.
According to him, many children in the state face significant barriers to accessing quality education and remain out of school due to poverty, child labour, early marriage, or the long distance to the nearest school, despite progress made in the sector.
He highlighted that the LESOP process provides a unique opportunity to identify these barriers in each local government area and design local solutions tailored to the specific realities of each community.
Michael Banda also identified inadequate financing as a major challenge toward achieving the state’s education goals.
He therefore stressed the need to ensure transparency in the utilization of allocated funds to achieve better teaching and learning outcomes.
The Education Manager added that UNICEF is encouraging state governments to explore innovative financing options and strengthen budget execution to ensure that education resources reach schools on time.
Usman Mohammed Zaria
