By JB Danlami
Determined to ensure that no Nigerian child is left out of school, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has kicked off a nationwide Primary One enrolment campaign, starting in Rano, Kano State.
The initiative, jointly organized with the Kano State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and UNICEF, targets children of school-going age who are yet to be enrolled, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, children living with disabilities, and street children.
Launching the campaign at Lausu Primary School, UBEC Executive Secretary, Aisha Garba—represented by The Deputy Executive Secretary, Mr. Razaq Olajuwon Akinyemisaid the goal is clear: every child in Nigeria must be in school, stay in school, and finish primary education.
“We must confront the realities: children on the streets under the guise of almajiranci, girls denied education, and those with special needs. This drive requires collective action from all stakeholders,” she urged.
The campaign is supported by the Federal Ministry of Education, with the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, represented by Mr. Bello Rabe, affirming the Tinubu administration’s resolve to reform and strengthen the nation’s education system
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by Education Commissioner Gwani Ali Haruna Makoda, described the campaign as timely, noting Kano’s commitment to building classrooms, providing learning materials, and increasing the number of school uniforms—this year doubling last year’s supply to encourage enrolment. He ordered that all eligible children be admitted within 30 days under the 2025/2026 enrolment plan.
Speaking on behalf of Northern States SUBEB Chairmen, Malam Yusuf Kabir appealed to traditional rulers, clerics, community leaders, and school committees to take ownership of the campaign.
“Enrolling a child in school is the greatest investment a parent can make,” he stressed.
UNICEF Kano Field Office Chief, Rahama Farah—represented by Michael Banda—emphasized that enrolling children is not enough; communities must ensure they remain in school until completion.
The Emir of Rano, Alhaji Muhammad Umar Isah, called on district and ward heads to champion the drive in every community, while urging parents to seize the opportunity for their children’s future
.The event concluded with the distribution of uniforms, bags, and textbooks to new Primary One pupils from Rano, Kibiya, and Bunkure Local Government Areas.
