The Niger State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB), in collaboration with the state Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the Adolescence Girl Initiative for Learning Empowerment (AGILE), has launched the 2024 school enrolment campaign in Bosso and Paikoro local government areas.
The campaign, led by NSUBEB Chairman Malam Muhammad Baba Ibrahim, included visits to the palaces of the district heads of Maikunkele and Paiko. The team engaged with education stakeholders, including traditional leaders, teachers, school administrators, and parents.
Addressing the stakeholders, Malam Ibrahim emphasised the campaign's goal of reducing the number of out-of-school children in the state. He noted that this annual tradition had not been held for about four years and highlighted its importance in fulfilling the board's mandate.
Malam Ibrahim praised the current administration under Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for its efforts to develop the state through the New Niger Agenda. He stressed that sustainable development hinges on providing quality education to the younger generation.
He also called for synergy among all stakeholders, noting that even the best facilities and teachers would be ineffective if parents did not send their children to school. He urged parents to support their children's education, foreseeing prosperity for the state through the governor's efforts.
Hajiya Maimunat Tahir Ibrahim, the state coordinator of AGILE, highlighted the program's support for girl child education, including the provision of school uniforms, bags, and sandals. She encouraged parents to ensure their daughters complete at least secondary education, emphasising the long-term benefits for families and communities.
Dr. Jonathan Wasa, Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, acknowledged the sector's past neglect but expressed optimism about the current administration's commitment to education. He stressed the need for collective support to ensure the success of these efforts.
District Heads Alhaji Suleiman Abdullahi Dada of Maikunkele and Alhaji Mohammed Mansir Mustapha of Paiko expressed their appreciation for the engagement and pledged their support to advance education in the state.