The Katsina State government, in partnership with the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), has integrated over 53,000 Almajiri children into Western education.
Commissioner of Education, Prof. Badamasi Lawal, said this on Friday when he hosted a United Nations (UN) team, led by the United National Development Programme (UNDP) representative in Nigeria, Mr Mohammed Yahaya.
Lawal said an additional 40,000 Almajiri children are being targeted for enrollment this year.
He praised UNICEF for collaborating with the state government to improve Almajiri pupils’ lives.
Speaking on the ‘Reading and Numeracy Programme’ (RANA), the commissioner said although the programme kicked off in three local government areas, it had been extended to 12 others.
According to him, the programme has improved learning and teaching processes in primary schools.
Lawal urged UNICEF to assist the state with modern technology on intelligence gathering to ensure the safety of the school environment from possible attacks by bandits.
