The European Union (EU) has introduced a new initiative, Accelerating Basic Education and Livelihood Opportunities (ABEP) for Children and Youth, aimed at providing education and job skills to approximately 400,000 out-of-school children and nomadic groups across Jigawa, Kano, and Sokoto states.

Implemented in partnership with Save the Children International, PLAN International, and DAG, the three-year project focuses on improving access to quality, inclusive, and conflict-sensitive education, particularly for women, girls, and other vulnerable groups.

Consortium Team Lead Tobi Ransomed outlined plans at the project’s kickoff in Dutse, explaining that learning facilitators will be trained and centers established in coordination with the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Nomadic Education Commission. The program, which aligns with the state’s goal to reduce out-of-school numbers, also features skills training designed to boost employability and self-reliance.

Gov. Umar Namadi, represented by Deputy Governor Aminu Usman, pledged full support for the initiative, emphasizing its importance to Jigawa, where out-of-school children exceed 700,000. Save the Children’s state team lead, Stephen Sawa, noted that reducing out-of-school rates in the region would combat poverty, enhance productivity, and contribute to a brighter future for Nigeria.