Breaking: Kaduna Slashes Out-of-School Children from 550,000 to 187,720, Launches 102 Schools

…Renovates 170 others

Kaduna State has recorded a dramatic breakthrough in its fight against the out-of-school children crisis, slashing the number from about 550,000 to 187,720 within two years as Governor Senator Uba Sani flagged off the construction of 102 new schools and the renovation of 170 existing schools and learning centres across the state’s 23 Local Government Areas.

The landmark initiative, launched under the Reaching Out-of-School Children (ROOSC) Project, marks what the governor described as a decisive step toward ensuring that every child in Kaduna State has access to quality education.

Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, Governor Uba Sani said the project represents far more than the commencement of physical infrastructure. According to him, it reflects his administration’s firm resolve to expand educational access and eliminate barriers that have kept thousands of children out of school.

“Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, our administration has placed education at the centre of Kaduna’s development agenda because it remains the most powerful tool for social mobility, economic growth, and long-term stability,” he said.

The governor revealed that his administration is now targeting zero out-of-school children within the next one year, following the massive progress already achieved.

Beyond the ROOSC intervention, the Kaduna government has also embarked on sweeping investments in the education sector. These include the construction of 62 new secondary schools across the three senatorial zones, with work already underway on 50 additional schools to meet growing demand for quality education.

In addition, the government has built and renovated hundreds of classrooms, supplied over 81,000 units of furniture, upgraded water and sanitation facilities in schools, and established vocational training centres aimed at equipping young people with practical, skills-based education.

Governor Uba Sani attributed the progress to strong partnerships with global development institutions, including the Islamic Development Bank, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, the Global Partnership for Education, Education Above All, and Save the Children International.

He also commended traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society groups, and development partners whose collaboration, he said, continues to strengthen Kaduna’s drive to build an inclusive education system.

“With the continued support of our partners and communities, we remain resolute in building an education system that leaves no child behind,” the governor said.

The ROOSC project is widely seen as one of the most ambitious education expansion programmes in Kaduna’s recent history, positioning the state at the forefront of Nigeria’s battle to end the out-of-school children crisis.