The Katsina State Government has spent about N10 billion to encourage and ensure increased enrolment of children in schools.

The disclosure was made by the Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board, Kabir Magaji.

Mr Magaji disclosed this on Saturday in Katsina during a meeting with stakeholders.

The meeting was organised by the committee on the implementation of the school enrolment campaign.

According to him, the state government is concerned with the high rate of out-of-school children, especially in the rural areas.

He said, “Government has so far invested over N10 billion to construct new schools, renovate existing ones, and provide teaching and learning materials. The aim is to ensure more enrolment of children into schools. Government has also recruited teachers and trained them to deliver quality education to the children.’’

He identified activities of bandits and poverty as reasons for low enrolment drive, saying that the meeting was organised to fashion out modalities towards solving the problem.

Mr Magaji explained that the participants were selected from areas with a high rate of out-of-school children, and expressed optimism that the meeting would yield positive results.

Earlier, the Secretary of the board, Dr Isah Idris, commended the United Nations Children’s Fund for its financial support to the educational sector in the state.

Mr Idris also appreciated the contribution of School-Based Management Committees for their commitment toward the revival of education in Katsina.

The annual meeting was organised in collaboration with UNICEF, Kano field office.

(NAN)