Zamfara Begins Statewide Census to Track Out-of-School Children

(Governor Dauda Lawal. Photo Credit: Nation NEws)

In order to produce precise data and support the education sector, Governor Dauda Lawal ordered a statewide census of children who were not in school.

This was revealed at a news conference in Gusau by Abdulmalik Gajam, Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology.

According to Gajam, the administration has implemented new administrative and policy initiatives to reposition education in the state.

Every child in Zamfara is required to receive an education under Governor Lawal’s administration. In order to close current deficiencies in the field of education, the governor has already proclaimed a state of emergency, he stated.

According to Gajam, the persistently high number of out-of-school children remains one of the biggest obstacles to educational progress in the state, and tackling it will require collective commitment and sacrifice from government and citizens alike.

He disclosed that the State Executive Council has approved a statewide census to obtain accurate figures on out-of-school children, describing the exercise as a critical step toward addressing the problem.

The commissioner warned that children outside the school system are particularly vulnerable to recruitment into banditry, thuggery, and other forms of social vice, arguing that resolving the issue would contribute significantly to a more peaceful and prosperous society.

He added that the census would soon commence and would involve broad participation from stakeholders, including government parastatals, ministries and agencies, as well as civil society organizations and NGOs operating in the education space.

“We will start an enrollment drive after the census to make sure every child in Zamfara receives at least a basic education,” he promised.

Regarding teacher housing, the commissioner said that the state government had given unauthorized occupants of teaching quarters in all of the state’s schools a 30-day notice to leave.

“This directive is a component of fresh initiatives to improve service delivery and reposition the education sector.

Currently, a large number of teacher-designated apartments are occupied by people who have nothing to do with the schools.

The commissioner clarified, “This is impeding the effective deployment of teachers, especially to rural areas.”

Gajam emphasized that the quarters were essential for accommodating instructors and instructed all principals to guarantee complete compliance within the allotted time.

There are more than 4,700 teachers in Gusau alone, and there is a housing scarcity in many of the other 14 LGAs.

He stated, “We are planning a massive recruitment and redeployment of teachers, which requires adequate housing.”

Gajam further declared that farming would not be permitted on school grounds unless it was for solely instructional purposes.

In order to preserve a favorable learning atmosphere, he gave directives to all principals, head teachers, and employees.

The commissioner urged stakeholders to support current changes to reposition the sector and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to raising educational quality.