The Taraba State Government, in partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), has launched a statewide school enrolment campaign aimed at tackling the growing challenge of out-of-school children.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Taraba State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), seeks to provide free, quality education while encouraging parents to enrol their children. Officials say the campaign is designed not only to expand access to education but also to curb social problems such as substance abuse, street begging, and youth thuggery.
A recent UNICEF report revealed that more than 10 million Nigerian children are currently out of school. Taraba’s new campaign is a direct response to this crisis and aligns with the state’s policy of free and compulsory education.
Speaking at the launch, SUBEB Executive Chairperson, Christian Binga, stressed the importance of the drive. “The main objective of this enrolment campaign is to reduce the number of out-of-school children in our state and to ensure every child has the right to education for a better future,” she said.
Education Secretary, Bappa Kulla, echoed the message, describing education as the “bedrock of progress and development.” He reaffirmed the government’s determination to bring every child back into the classroom.
As part of the campaign, the state government announced plans to build 60 new schools to replace dilapidated structures, a move expected to significantly improve infrastructure and boost school attendance. Officials are optimistic that these measures will increase enrolment as schools prepare to resume for the 2024/2025 academic session.
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