By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
The Sarkin Dawaki Education Foundation, based in Gwaram, Jigawa State, has successfully enrolled and returned over 9,000 out-of-school children to the classroom in Gwaram Federal Constituency.
This was disclosed by the foundation’s founder and chairman, Dr. Ado Yakubu, during a ceremony in Nasarawa Village, Gwaram Local Government Area, where he distributed free school uniforms to 180 children.
Dr. Yakubu, who is also a member of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, representing Gwaram Constituency, explained that the foundation embarked on the initiative after a report revealed that over 20,000 children in Gwaram were out of school. “The findings deeply troubled me and motivated me to take action,” he said.
The foundation conducted research into the root causes of the rising number of out-of-school children in the area, identifying poverty, long distances to schools, and community disputes as key factors. To combat these challenges, the foundation has worked closely with traditional and religious leaders, as well as School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs), to encourage enrollment and ensure students’ attendance.
The initiative, worth N2.8 million, provided uniforms to 30 pupils from six schools, including four nomadic schools and two regular schools, with 20 boys and 10 girls benefiting from each institution.
Dr. Yakubu emphasized that the support is aimed at families who are unable to afford basic school necessities, ensuring their children can attend school. He also highlighted the foundation’s ongoing collaboration with community leaders and SBMCs to enroll all eligible children in school.
As chairman of the House Committee on Basic Education, Dr. Yakubu has introduced programs and policies to address the challenges that keep children out of school, including the lack of water and inadequate school infrastructure. “We are working with SUBEB to provide schools and water facilities in underserved communities,” he added.
The foundation has also established a system where village heads are notified of children who are absent from school, prompting parents to take immediate action.
The Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Prof. Haruna Musa, praised Dr. Yakubu’s efforts, stating that the initiative will significantly reduce the number of out-of-school children in Jigawa. The area’s Education Secretary, Malam Garba Haruna, also commended the gesture, noting that it will enhance both teaching and learning in the affected communities. He assured that the donated materials, such as blackboards and chalk, would be put to good use.