The Kaduna State Government has launched an ambitious plan to return over 100,000 out-of-school children to classrooms within the next four years through the Reaching Out-of-School Children (ROOSC) programme.
The initiative was highlighted during a two-day workshop for media professionals, held in partnership with Save the Children at the Alhsan Metro Hotel in Kaduna.
Speaking at the event, Salisu Baba Lawal, a representative from the Kaduna State Ministry of Education, explained that the ROOSC programme commenced in April 2024 and is scheduled to run until 2028.
The project is designed to increase school enrolment, enhance the quality of teaching, ensure safe and conducive learning environments, and strengthen the overall education system.
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The initiative is being rolled out across nine Local Government Areas (LGAs) — three from each of the state’s senatorial zones.
According to Lawal, 405 teachers have already been trained, with more to follow, underscoring the importance of teacher quality in achieving the programme’s goals.
He also revealed that 102 new schools have been built, and an additional 170 schools are currently undergoing renovation.
“Our goal is to get every child off the streets and into school,” Lawal stated, emphasizing the government’s collaboration with Save the Children and UNICEF to reach this target.
“This administration is fully committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to education,” he added, stressing the important role of the media in achieving the project’s objectives.
Mr. Emmanuel Mbursa Madu, Project Director of ROOSC for Save the Children International (SCI), described the initiative as a multi-donor programme aimed at promoting inclusive, equitable, and quality primary education for children aged 6–11 years, as well as adolescents and young adults between 12–18 years.
Madu noted that the programme employs strategies that are gender-sensitive, pro-poor, and inclusive, aligning with global standards for primary education delivery.
He emphasized that ROOSC is a flagship initiative of the Kaduna State Government, championed by Governor Uba Sani, to confront the widespread issue of out-of-school children across the state.
“This partnership between Save the Children, UNICEF, and the Kaduna State Government represents a strong commitment to tackling one of the most urgent educational challenges in Nigeria,” Madu concluded.
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