From Katsina Times – July 10, 2025

Governor Dauda Lawal has flagged off the Zamfara State Pilot School Feeding Programme as part of his administration’s efforts to address the alarming number of out-of-school children in the state.

The launch took place on Thursday at Dan-Turai Primary School in Gusau, the state capital, with the governor reaffirming his commitment to inclusive education and improving school enrolment through targeted initiatives.

According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the school feeding programme is designed to support enrolment, retention, and progression of pupils across basic education levels, while also combating hunger and malnutrition among school children.

Governor Lawal, in his address at the event, said the initiative demonstrates the administration’s readiness to work with development partners and stakeholders to revive the education sector.

“Our commitment to education reform includes collaborations with key organisations like the World Bank through the AGILE project and with UNICEF. Recently, the Ministry of Education partnered with UNICEF to set up a Technical Committee to visit all 14 Local Government Areas and identify out-of-school children for reintegration into schools,” the governor said.

The pilot programme will be supported by two major non-governmental organisations. FINPACT Development Foundation is set to sponsor meals for 1,000 pupils across Gusau, Maru, Anka, and Talatar Mafara, while the International Center for Economic Development will provide meals for 3,300 pupils in Gusau, Talatar Mafara, and Shinkafi.

Governor Lawal urged more support from stakeholders and donor agencies, emphasizing that expanding educational access and improving learning conditions are key to reducing the out-of-school children crisis in the state.

“This is not just about feeding—it’s about the future of our children and the future of Zamfara State,” he added.