In a statement signed by the Director Special Duties of the Ministry, Sani Abba Yola, said the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, stated this during a two-day capacity-building workshop for students of Bayero University, Kano, on Social and Behavioral Change for Child Survival and Development workshop organized by the Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs in collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and held at Bayero University, Kano.
He noted that, as part of efforts to enhance girl-child education, the administration has disbursed direct cash transfers ranging from ₦20,000 to ₦70,000 to schoolgirls, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their education. Additionally, all previously closed girls’ boarding schools have been reopened and are now fully operational, providing a conducive learning environment for young girls in the state.
The Commissioner further stated that the government has procured and renovated school buses for girls to ease their transportation challenges and make education more accessible. Furthermore, over 700,000 primary school children have received free school uniforms, reinforcing the government's commitment to education as a fundamental right for all.
"Recognizing the plight of vulnerable children, the government has taken concrete steps to address the menace of child street begging and wandering. A high-powered committee has been established to tackle this challenge, and as a result, 270 children are now under full government care, receiving rehabilitation and formal education—both Western and Islamic—to secure their future." He added.
Waiya added that, to further support vulnerable families and encourage school enrollment, the state government has launched a ₦50,000 monthly family support program, aimed at empowering families to prioritize their children's education and well-being.
"This workshop comes at a crucial time when we must acknowledge that the survival and healthy development of our children are not just moral imperatives but essential to the future of our state and nation. The Kano State Government remains committed to improving healthcare access, promoting healthy practices, and addressing welfare challenges." Waiya stated.
He emphasized that Social and Behavior Change (SBC) is a transformative strategy that extends beyond individual actions to foster community-wide shifts in norms and practices, ensuring that child survival and development become a shared responsibility.
The Commissioner urged stakeholders, including policymakers, educators, health professionals, and community leaders, to leverage the insights gained from the workshop to drive meaningful behavioral and social change that will benefit Kano’s children now and in the future.
In his remarks, the UNICEF Chief for Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina States, Rahma Rihood Muhammed, said UNICEF was established by the United Nations to advocate for the protection of children's rights.
He stated that UNICEF’s key functions in Nigeria include providing education, healthcare, and nutrition services, protecting children, and responding to emergencies.
Also speaking, the Dean of Student Affairs, Bayero University, Kano, Professor Shamsuddeen Umar, thanked the organizers for choosing the university to host the capacity-building workshop. He urged students to remain attentive and committed to acquiring knowledge that would be beneficial to their academic and professional growth.
