United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with implementing partners have developed a road map for revolutionising education and shaping children future in Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states.
Newsmen reports that the plan was unveiled at the end of a groundbreaking meeting on the ” Education Roadmap and 2025-2027 Priorities” for the three states in Birnin Kebbi.
In her address, the Kebbi State’s Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Halima Bande, expressed gratitude and privilege to attend the high level meeting on reviewing educational challenges and offer solutions.
Bande thanked UNICEF and partners for the unwavering support and encouragement provided to the three states.
She acknowledged the commitment of the Gov. Nasir Idris for prioritizing education in his agenda, highlighting the critical issues include the reduction of out-of-school children in the state.
She pointed out that while enrollment has improved the challenge of completion, retention and transition are critical to quality education delivery.
Dr. Michel Juma, the Chief of UNICEF’s Sokoto Field Office, commended the governors of Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states for prioritizing education in their governance.
Juma highlighted that education as the foundation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), required urgent and collective action to address out-of-school children, improve access, quality, and teacher professionalism to achieve meaningful learning outcomes.
He stressed the importance of adequate budget allocations to support teacher training and the integration of digital literacy into teaching practices.
He encouraged stakeholders to collaborate in identifying state-specific priorities and aligning them with broader education strategies.
Juma emphasised on the value and need to strengthen the deployment of Teacher Management Information System (TMIS), a digital tool for teacher recruitment, deployment, and performance monitoring.
He further advocated for increased sensitization on positive corrective methods and ending corporal punishment in Nigeria.
Newsmen reports that the meeting had in attendance Commissioners of Education, Executive Chairmen, State Universal Basic Education Boards, Permanent Secretaries, Chairmen House Committees on Education and Speakers of the States Houses of Assemblies.
Others were Executive Secretaries and Chairmen of Sate Agency for Mass Education, Ministries Directors, UNICEF officials and Education Specialists.