The Katsina State Government has recorded major progress in promoting girl-child education and child welfare, with the successful training and graduation of 955 out-of-school adolescent girls across various skills acquisition centres in the state.
This development was disclosed by Hajiya Jamila Abdu Mani, Special Adviser to the Governor on Girl-Child Education and Child Development, while reviewing achievements under Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s administration in the past two years.
According to Hajiya Jamila, the skills acquisition centres — which initially operated in four locations — expanded to nine centres in 2024 due to rising demand. The centres are spread across Katsina, Kaita, Baure, and Funtua Local Government Areas, targeting at least 1,000 trainees.
Beyond education, she noted that the administration has initiated and strengthened several programmes in child protection and health. She cited the overhaul of the Katsina Orphanage Home, where pediatricians and nutritionists have been deployed, and all children enrolled into the State Social Health Insurance Scheme for sustained healthcare.
In a rare humanitarian intervention, Governor Radda facilitated successful surgery for a baby girl born with four legs in Bujawa, Mani Local Government Area, ensuring access to specialized care at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina.
To combat gender-based violence, the administration established the NASIHA Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), which provides survivors with medical, psychological, and legal support. The centre is staffed with a full clinical team and works in partnership with the Association of Female Medical Doctors.
Hajiya Jamila also revealed the construction of a new Home Economics Laboratory at the Girls Skills Acquisition Centre in Katsina, alongside the award of scholarships to three abandoned pupils in Mani LGA. A physically challenged pupil in Kankia LGA also received a donated tricycle to support his education.
In terms of specialized healthcare, she mentioned a recent surgery conducted at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital for an Almajiri boy from Zango LGA who was suffering from Osteosarcoma with intracranial complications.
The Special Adviser further highlighted that the State Government, in partnership with UNICEF, developed an alternative care policy for vulnerable children and has successfully reintegrated 1,393 children into schools through the Integrated Adolescent Girls Programming (REACH).
Through behaviour change campaigns against child marriage, 6,120 children across 180 communities were sensitized. In Katsina LGA, 800 vulnerable girls are also participating in safe space and mentorship programmes.
Additional innovation-focused training is underway for Almajiri and out-of-school girls, with courses in robotics, waste management, and life skills now offered.
In an effort to strengthen children’s rights, Governor Radda has signed legislation prohibiting street hawking by children during school hours.
The administration also hosted a four-day capacity-building workshop for Children’s Parliament representatives from all 34 LGAs, Girls-Led Movement members, and Safe Space mentors, aimed at improving advocacy and community engagement.
“These initiatives clearly position Katsina State as a pacesetter in advancing the welfare and education of children, particularly girls, across Nigeria’s Northwest,” Hajiya Jamila concluded.
