Writing By Khadijah Aliyu; Editing By Godwin Duru
The United Nations Children’s Fund has convened a stakeholders’ consultation meeting in Kano State on the implementation of a new intervention, the Accelerated Basic Education Programme (ABEP), with funding support from the European Union.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including officials from the State Ministry of Education, development partners, and civil society organisations working in the education sector.
In her opening remarks, UNICEF Chief of Field Services, Judith Leveillee, described ABEP as a critical initiative aimed at accelerating learning for over-age and out-of-school children.
She noted that the programme is designed to equip beneficiaries with foundational education skills and enable their transition into formal schooling, vocational training, or lifelong learning pathways.
“The ABEP represents a vital opportunity to accelerate learning for over-age and out-of-school children. However, its success will depend on our collective commitment across government, civil society, communities, and development partners to work together, coordinate effectively, and remain focused on results,” she said.
Leveillee reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the Kano State Government in addressing the challenges of out-of-school children and improving overall learning outcomes.
She added that UNICEF would continue to collaborate with government and communities to strengthen early childhood education, enhance foundational literacy and numeracy, expand non-formal learning opportunities, and build the capacity of teachers and facilitators.
She also highlighted ongoing support for the development of key education frameworks, including the State Education Sector Plan (SESP), State Education Sector Operational Plan (SESOP), and Local Education Sector Operational Plan (LESOP).
UNICEF commended the Kano State Government for its sustained commitment to providing inclusive, equitable, and quality basic education, particularly for vulnerable children affected by poverty, disability, gender disparities, and social norms.
Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ali Haruna, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Bashir Baffa, described the ABEP initiative as timely and impactful.
He assured that the state government would provide the necessary support to ensure the sustainability of donor-funded interventions.
Baffa also appreciated UNICEF’s continued support in complementing government efforts to improve education standards in the state.
Also speaking, the Team Lead of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education, stressed the commission’s readiness to partner with relevant stakeholders to promote enrolment, retention, and completion of education among affected children.
Other contributors at the meeting included representatives from the PLANE Project, the State Agency for Mass Education (SAME), the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), and civil society groups such as the Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA).
The consultation marks a significant step toward strengthening collaboration among stakeholders and advancing efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children in Kano State through innovative and inclusive education strategies.
KHADIJAH ALIYU
