NSGF to partner IsDB in tackling out-of-school children crisis

The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has reaffirmed its commitment to developing a comprehensive strategy to address the high rate of out-of-school children and the Almajiri phenomenon in Northern Nigeria. This initiative will be pursued through an enhanced partnership with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).

This was announced during a meeting between Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, and a delegation from the IsDB led by the Bank’s Country Representative, Dr. Hasanul Kibria.

Governor Yahaya, who also serves as the Governor of Gombe State, expressed deep concern over the alarming rates of educational exclusion in the region, particularly among Almajiri children. He highlighted the Northern states’ plan to leverage the IsDB’s SMART Education project to expand access to quality education and improve learning outcomes.

“The Northern states are deeply disturbed by the rising rates of educational exclusion, and we are determined to work with partners like the Islamic Development Bank to address this issue,” Governor Yahaya stated.

He also detailed Gombe State’s efforts to modernize the Almajiri system by integrating formal education with Islamic teachings, enhancing infrastructure, and building teacher capacity. These efforts aim to motivate out-of-school children to return to classrooms and better support children in Tsangaya schools.

Governor Yahaya revealed that the Northern Governors’ Forum plans to convene an expanded meeting with key stakeholders soon, with the issue of out-of-school children as the primary focus.

He praised the IsDB for its support in education and sought further collaboration in sectors like agriculture, animal husbandry, livelihood support, and overall human capital development. He also cited Gombe State’s strategic location and favorable business environment as a promising destination for investment.

Dr. Hasanul Kibria, speaking earlier, outlined the IsDB’s SMART Education initiative, co-financed by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and supported by other Arab development institutions. The project is designed to address the urgent educational needs of states with high rates of out-of-school children, particularly in Northern Nigeria.

The IsDB’s agricultural partnership with Gombe State aims to empower 500,000 beneficiaries, with a focus on youth (50%), women (40%), and people living with disabilities (10%). Additionally, the IsDB is offering grants to Gombe State under the Lives and Livelihoods Fund, specifically targeting the agriculture and education sectors.

Dr. Kibria also proposed exploring additional areas of cooperation beyond education, including infrastructure, ICT, and energy, reaffirming the IsDB’s commitment to the development of Gombe State and the Northern region.