Nigerian Government and Traditional Rulers Unite to Combat Out-of-School Children

The federal government of Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with traditional rulers to tackle the issue of out-of-school children by facilitating their readmission into schools. The MoU was signed on Wednesday in Argungu, Kebbi state, by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and Dr. Abdulrazaq Akinyele, the Deputy Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

This initiative is part of the Advancing Basic Education Partnership Programme (AGE), which aims to transform basic education in Nigeria by leveraging traditional and religious leadership. The programme will be piloted in four states: Adamawa, Katsina, Sokoto, and Osun.

Sultan Abubakar emphasized the commitment of traditional rulers to reduce street begging among children and return them to school. He also acknowledged the Kebbi State Government's support in managing the Argungu Orphanage.

Additionally, Hajiya Zainab Nasare Nasir Idris, the First Lady of Kebbi state, provided skills acquisition materials to 150 Qur’anic Schools in collaboration with UBEC and the Sultan Foundation.