The Jigawa government has set up 135 learning spaces to fast-track the implementation of the Accelerated Basic Education Programme (ABEP).

ABEP is a two-year education intervention programme that seeks to provide learning opportunities for out-of-school children in 10 participating local government areas of the state.

The programme is being funded through the European Union’s Education and Youth Empowerment Programme in Northern Nigeria (EU-EYEPINN).

Lawan Danzomo, commissioner for basic education, said this at the unveiling of the programme on Thursday in Dutse.

He said that 270 facilitators and 20 supervisors had been engaged to provide learning opportunities for children who missed basic education and support their transition into the formal education system.

Mr Danzomo said that the measure demonstrated the government’s commitment to taking education directly to the communities where vulnerable and out-of-school children live.

He said that the success of the programme would depend on coordinated efforts by the government, UNICEF, the EU, local authorities, communities, parents, facilitators and other stakeholders.

The commissioner urged parents and community leaders to ensure regular attendance and tasked facilitators and supervisors with dedication and professionalism.

Judith Leveillee, chief of field operations and Emergency, UNICEF, said that the programme targeted children aged 10 to 18 who missed basic education opportunities.

Ms Leveillee said that the initiative was designed to address “learning denied” among children who never attended school, and “learning delayed” among those who dropped out or started late.

She said that UNICEF supported flexible learning pathways, accelerated programmes, and safe and inclusive learning environments to help marginalised children access education.

“Education is a fundamental right, and this programme is an important step toward ensuring that more children and adolescents can benefit from quality education and skills development,” she said.

Also, Abbas Abbas, executive secretary of the Jigawa State Agency for Mass Education, said that 135 centres were established in Babura, Birnin Kudu, Garki, Hadejia, Jahun, Kafin Hausa, Kazaure, Kirikasamma, Kiyawa and Maigatari LGAs.

He said that about N28 million would be expended on the payment of allowances to facilitators and supervisors engaged under the two-year programme.

“This programme is designed to provide the needed support for the effective implementation of accelerated learning across the selected communities.”

Mr Abbas said that UNICEF had supplied learning and instructional materials to the centres, including 67,500 exercise books, 40,500 pencils, 27,000 erasers and 20,250 sharpeners.

Other items included 14,000 rulers, 1,425 floor mats, 560 plastic chairs, 159 mobile whiteboards and 1,120 charts and posters.

The event was attended by representatives of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children, and other stakeholders in the state. 

(NAN)