Zamfara State Government Launches Educational Grant Scheme to Improve School Enrollment

Strategic Insights -

The Zamfara state government, in collaboration with UNICEF, has initiated a program aimed at increasing school enrollment and reducing the number of out-of-school children in the state. The program, which involves the distribution of educational grants to over 10,000 children, was launched at Maradun town, the headquarters of Maradun local government area. The scheme targets 3,449 beneficiaries in its first phase, with each recipient set to receive an annual grant of N24,000 to cover basic educational requirements.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Zamfara state government, in partnership with UNICEF, has launched an educational grant scheme to improve school enrollment and reduce the number of out-of-school children.
  • The program targets 3,449 beneficiaries in its first phase, with each recipient receiving an annual grant of N24,000.
  • The grant is intended to provide basic educational requirements, including uniforms, books, pencils, and other needs.
  • The Zamfara state government has demonstrated its commitment to investing heavily in the educational sector, especially at the primary level.
  • UNICEF will spend over N100 million for the payment of grants in the three cohorts, with the opportunity to provide further support in the future.
  • The Zamfara State Universal Basic Education Board (ZSUBEB) has expressed its support for the program and urges the government to maintain the tempo.
  • Hajia Maryam Yahaya Shantali, Project Implementation Unit coordinator, has expressed her happiness over the support and cooperation being enjoyed by her unit.
  • Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi Gusau, state commissioner for Education, has reiterated the determination of the present administration to invest heavily in the educational sector.

Statistics:

  • 10,000: The number of children who will benefit from the educational grant scheme.
  • 3,449: The number of beneficiaries in the first phase of the program.
  • N24,000: The annual grant each recipient will receive.
  • N100 million: The amount UNICEF will spend on the payment of grants in the three cohorts.

Sources:

  • State government and UNICEF initiative to improve school enrollment in Zamfara state.
  • Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi Gusau, state commissioner for Education.
  • UNICEF Consultant in charge of Access to Education, Malam Ahmad Hashim.
  • Project Implementation Unit coordinator, Hajia Maryam Yahaya Shantali.
  • Zamfara State Universal Basic Education Board (ZSUBEB).