The Niger State government, in collaboration with the World Bank-backed Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), aims to enroll around 600,000 out-of-school children back into the education system. Announced by Dr. Hadiza Asabe Mohammed, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, the initiative seeks to reduce the state’s out-of-school children, estimated at over 600,000 in 2022.

Launching the ‘Enrollment Drive Campaign’ in Minna, Dr. Mohammed urged community leaders and stakeholders to support the project. The campaign, which runs until September 19, 2024, involves community outreach, door-to-door visits, and school incentives for boosting enrollment.

Hajiya Maimuna Ibrahim Attahiru, AGILE’s state coordinator, highlighted the initiative’s focus on improving access to education for girls, with the World Bank committed to supporting the campaign. Parents and guardians are encouraged to ensure their children, especially girls, receive at least a secondary education.