As part of efforts to boost school enrollment, monitoring, and learning outcomes, the Jigawa State Government has launched a community-based initiative that will engage 16,000 mothers across the state in overseeing education at the grassroots level.
The initiative, implemented through the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), is part of Governor Umar Namadi’s broader strategy to enhance educational quality and promote community participation in the school system.
Speaking in Dutse, the state capital, during the training of 57 gender officers from the state’s 27 local government areas, SUBEB Chairman, Professor Haruna Musa, described the programme as a key innovation of the current administration.
“This initiative is a key innovation of the current administration which aims to empower mothers to take an active role in monitoring schools, ensuring children attend classes with the required materials, and confirming that learning is actually taking place by reviewing their children’s schoolwork,” he said.
According to him, each basic education school in the state will select five mothers, who will be trained to track essential learning indicators and promote regular school attendance.
Their responsibilities, he added will include checking on pupil safety and safeguarding against abuse or other risks within school environments.
“These mothers will be at the frontline, champions of education, their involvement will not only improve safety and learning but also strengthen the relationship between schools and their communities,” Musa stated.
He noted that more than 3,600 mothers have already been trained in selected pilot areas, with the programme expected to scale up to cover all basic schools across Jigawa.
Musa further explained that the ongoing training for Local Education Authority (LEA) gender officers aims to strengthen collaboration with the mothers’ groups and provide them with ongoing guidance and mentorship.
He expressed confidence that increased female involvement will help address the issue of out-of-school children and improve literacy rates across the state.
“This initiative underscores our commitment to quality, inclusive education, by engaging mothers directly, we’re ensuring that every child in Jigawa has a better chance at a brighter future,” he said.
The SUBEB chairman also called on residents to support Governor Namadi’s broader education reform agenda, stressing that parental involvement, especially by mothers, is crucial for long-term success in the education sector.
