Oplus_131072

Kaduna reviews Roosc project, partners set new education targets
By Hussaina Yakubu
December 10. 2025
Kaduna State has held its bi-annual Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting for the Reaching Out-of-School Children (ROOSC) project to assess progress and strengthen interventions aimed at reducing out-of-school children across the state.
The meeting, chaired by the Deputy Project Coordinator, Mr. Hassan Abdu, brought together representatives of Save the Children International (SCI), Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), UNICEF, the Kuwait Fund, Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD) and other partners who joined virtually.
The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Abubakar Sani Sambo, represented by the Director-General, Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority, Prof. Usman Abubakar, delivered a virtual statement appreciating partners’ support for the project.
Sambo said the ROOSC initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to improving access, enrollment and completion of basic education, especially for vulnerable groups, including girls and children with disabilities.
He said ISFD and the Kuwait Fund are financing the construction and rehabilitation of schools and learning centres, while GPE and Education Above All support teacher training, enrollment drives and distribution of learning materials.
He added that SCI leads learning-outcome interventions, while UNICEF supports system strengthening and capacity building.
The Commissioner commended Gov. Uba Sani’s focus on inclusive education, describing his leadership as instrumental to the project’s achievements. He also praised the Project Coordinator, Mr. Ezra Angai, for providing effective leadership.
Key interventions reviewed include construction and rehabilitation of schools, teacher capacity development, strengthening inclusive learning environments, improving school safety, and upgrading monitoring systems.
He said the interventions are already contributing to improved access, equity and learning outcomes across the state.
Achievements presented include ,ASER baseline assessment for all 1,868 Accelerated Basic Education Programme (ABEP) learners.
Enrollment of 10,725 learners in Catch-Up Clubs (CuCs) distribution of 32,814 learner kits to ABEP learners.
Status of Out-of-School Children Mapping (as of Dec. 5, 2025):
Completed: Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Igabi, Lere, Sabon Gari, Soba, Kauru, Jema’a, Kachia, Chikun, Kajuru, Kaura, Jaba, Zaria, Kudan.
While the ongoing: Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Kubau, Ikara, Makarfi, Kagarko, Sanga, Zangon Kataf.
Partners at the meeting presented updates and renewed commitment to supporting Kaduna State’s efforts to reduce out-of-school children.(NAN)