Hussaini Ibrahim 
Kano Governor, Abba Yusuf
KANO, Nigeria – The Kano State Government has approved ₦1.1 billion for the purchase of free school uniforms for newly admitted Primary One pupil, as part of efforts to address the state’s growing out-of-school children crisis.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf gave the approval during the 31st State Executive Council meeting, according to a statement on Friday signed by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
The total allocation of ₦1,147,582,000 will provide uniforms to all new pupils across the state, reinforcing Yusuf’s education reform agenda.
“This initiative eases the burden on parents and sends a strong message that education is a right, not a privilege,” the governor declared. “We are determined to bring children off the streets and back into classrooms.”
The programme, first launched in 2024 and now renewed for 2025, aims to boost school enrolment and retention.
Kano consistently ranks among states with the highest number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, a situation that has drawn concern from both local and international stakeholders.
Yusuf explained that the uniform scheme complements other ongoing reforms, including school renovations, recruitment of new teachers, and the supply of learning materials.
The statement added that the initiative is both a fulfilment of the Kwankwasiyya Gida-Gida government’s campaign promises and a demonstration of its commitment to grassroots educational equity.
Observers say the intervention could reduce financial barriers and improve literacy outcomes if sustained alongside broader structural reforms.
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