Group decries high rate of out-of-school children in Katsina

A non-governmental organization, High Level Women Advocate (HiLWA) has decried the high rate of out-of-school children, school drop outs and Qur’anic school pupils not enrolled into the basic education system in Katsina state.

HiLWA Chairperson, Hajia Mariya Abdullahi, stated this at a news conference as part of activities lined up to commemorate the 2020 International Women’s Day on Tuesday in Katsina.

Abdullahi urged the state government and other stakeholders to intensify efforts towards ensuring that those categories of young persons were enrolled towards the realisation of the education for all goal.

“There should be more aggressive approach by key stakeholders through mobilisation, awareness creation and sensitisation for the integration of Qur’anic school students, school drop-outs and other out -of -school children across the state,” she said.

She however, acknowledged and appreciated efforts and support by the state government toward the girl-child enrolment, retention and completion.

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The chairperson further acknowledged the determination of the Katsina state legislature to enact laws that would ensure free and compulsory education for all school age children across the state.

She also stressed the need for an increase in women participation in decision making and governance structure in the education sector at all levels.

Also speaking, an External Resource Person, Lydia Shehu, emphasised the importance of employing more qualified female teachers, who are good education managers to serve as role models.

She noted that the development would also assist in making women self -reliant to cater for their needs; thereby reducing the rampant cases of divorce in the society.