By Kabiru Haruna
The Kano State 2024 School Enrollment Drive Campaign Committee recently met with His Royal Highness, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, to seek support for the upcoming enrollment drive. The meeting aimed to sensitize the public on the importance of sending children to school.
State Commissioner of Education, Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa, briefed the Emir on the campaign’s objectives and progress. He highlighted the significant reduction in out-of-school children in Kano, from 900,000 to a drastically lower number, attributed to the present administration’s commitment to education.
Doguwa appealed to the Emir to lend his influential voice to the campaign, emphasizing the importance of public awareness. “Your Highness, we are aware of your positive role in education development, and we seek your support in sensitizing the public,” he said.
UNICEF’s Chief Field Office in Kano, Mr. Raha Rihood Mohammed Farah, emphasized the campaign’s goal to reduce Nigeria’s staggering 10.5 million out-of-school children, with 10% residing in Kano. He urged parents, local leaders, and community organizations to engage in the enrollment drive.
The Emir pledged traditional leaders’ support for the campaign, acknowledging government efforts in declaring a state of emergency on education. He advised the government to redouble its efforts by providing adequate school furniture, renovating schools, and recruiting teachers.
Additionally, the Emir advocated for incorporating mother language teaching methods, as practiced in countries like China and Saudi Arabia. He emphasized the need for modern teaching methods to meet the demands of technological advancements. With the Emir’s backing, the Kano State government is poised to make significant strides in improving education outcomes.