The Kaduna State Government has announced plans to train 8,700 members of School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) in a renewed effort to improve basic education and reduce the number of out-of-school children in the state.
This was disclosed by the Acting Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (KADSUBEB), Mubarak Muhammad, at the commencement of a six-day training programme for 92 Social Mobilisation Officers (SMOs) in Kaduna.
The training, organised in collaboration with UNICEF and other partners under the Reaching Out-of-School-Children (ROOSC) project, is designed to equip the SMOs, drawn from all 23 local government areas of the state, with the skills needed to train SBMC members within their respective communities.
Muhammad highlighted that the training will address key areas such as school leadership, communication, and resource mobilisation.
He noted that the initiative is a crucial part of bridging the gap between government and local communities, fostering stronger engagement and support for schools.
“The officials will be equipped to mobilise resources and support for schools, ultimately improving education outcomes in Kaduna State.”
He further explained that the programme will also focus on strategies to bring children back to school, aligning with Governor Uba Sani’s efforts to reduce the state’s out-of-school children population.
The training is expected to contribute significantly to strengthening the basic education sector in Kaduna by empowering local actors with the tools to drive community-based change.
Reinforcing this point, UNICEF Education Officer for the Kaduna Field Office, Mr. Bala Dada, described the out-of-school children crisis in the state as severe.
“According to a 2022 KDBS survey, 768,000 children of basic school age are currently not in formal education. The ROOSC project by the Kaduna state government and partners aims to reintegrate at least 200,000 of these children back into school.”
Dada stressed the vital role SBMCs play as grassroots structures capable of influencing school enrolment, attendance, and quality education delivery.
He emphasised the importance of community involvement in ensuring children stay in school and continue learning.
“SBMCs bring together parents, teachers, and local leaders to support schools. They bridge the gap between communities and the education system, helping to keep children in school and learning.
“In the push to reduce out-of-school children, our greatest asset is community involvement through these SBMCs.”
UNICEF, according to Dada, is providing technical assistance, funding, and monitoring support, while the Kaduna State Government offers policy direction and manpower to implement the initiative on the ground.
