UNICEF, EU donate learning materials, uniforms to Quranic schools in Kano

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the European Union (EU) have partnered for the modernization of Qu’ranic centres and schools in Kano and across northern Nigeria, with the donation of modern learning materials, uniforms and sponsorship of tutorials.

The partnership was to enable the Quranic learning centres to be on the same page with conventional schools in terms of learning and acquisition of knowledge and skills.

Among the beneficiaries is Maahad Gwari Dan Birni Tsangaya Qu’ranic Centre, Kano, visited by officials of UNICEF and the European Union.

The Centre, which recorded only 47 students in 2018, is currently taking care of 182 male students and 169 female students who are not only acquiring Quranic knowledge, but are also being tutored with other conventional subjects, including Mathematics and English.

The students are also engaged in acquiring various skills, including show making, tailoring, knitting, among others, with funds by the European Union, facilitated by the UNICEF.

The Centre offers Quranic education, foundational literacy and Numeracy (FLN), as well as providing facilitators delivering FLN modules.

Our Correspondent reports that a high-level delegation of EU Member States Heads of Missions and their Deputies, led by EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, together with UNICEF, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on behalf of the German Government, Plan International Nigeria, UN Habitat, and other development partners, were in Kano for a multi-day engagement, aimed at strengthening strategic visibility, public diplomacy, and partnerships across northern Nigeria.

During the visit, the delegation met with the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Murtala Sule Garo, who represented his boss, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

They exchanged ideas on urban development, opportunities for youth, and social inclusion.

Governor Yusuf emphasized the importance of strong partnerships in advancing development across the state, noting that, “under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Kano State remains committed to creating an enabling environment that encourages responsible investment, promotes transparency and accountability and fosters collaboration with international partners to achieve shared development goals.”

The Government of Kano State presented its Urban Development Strategy, aimed at guiding sustainable urban growth, improving resilience, strengthening infrastructure planning, fostering social cohesion, promoting peace and regional integration, and unlocking economic opportunities across the metropolitan region, with technical support from UN-Habitat.

Reflecting on the mission, Gautier Mignot, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said: “This visit underlines the European Union’s commitment to being visibly present and engaged in Northern Nigeria. By connecting directly with communities, young people, and local institutions, we are strengthening partnerships that support inclusive growth, stability, and opportunity for all.”

Dr. Markus Wagner, Country Director, GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS, said: “Investing in women and young entrepreneurs is key to building resilient communities. Through skills development and support to local enterprise, we are creating opportunities that strengthen local economies across Northern Nigeria.”

At Bayero University Kano (BUK), the EU Heads of Mission engaged directly with students in an interactive exchange focused on youth participation and locally driven solutions, underscoring the importance of listening to young voices and supporting their contribution to society.

On education, Dr Charles Usie, Country Director, Plan International Nigeria said: “Quality education is more than access to a classroom; it is about creating opportunities for children to learn, thrive, and shape their own futures. Achieving this requires strong partnerships and sustained investment, particularly for girls and children who continue to face barriers to education and opportunity. Together, we can build a future where no child is left behind.”

Across programme visits, the delegation observed EU-supported and partner-led initiatives, including an accelerated education programme supported by Plan International and a Qur’anic education centre supported by UNICEF, promoting inclusive learning and strengthening child protection.

Wafaa Saeed, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, said: “Children and young people are at the centre of this engagement. By investing in their education, health, and protection, we are helping ensure that every child, especially the most vulnerable, can survive, learn, and build a better future.”

The delegation also visited a facility producing ready-to-use therapeutic food for children affected by malnutrition, and media platforms such as Kannywood, highlighting the role of local storytelling in shaping public dialogue and social change.

Participating at the Northwest Governors’ Forum Policy Dialogue on Reducing Multidimensional Poverty, the EU Heads of Mission engagement concluded with renewed commitment from the European Union and partners to deepen collaboration across Northern Nigeria, expand opportunities for young people and women, and support inclusive, resilient systems that respond to local needs and aspirations

Our Correspondent reports that Governors from Nigeria’s North-West have committed to concrete, time-bound actions to reduce multidimensional poverty and improve the lives of children and women across the region, following a high-level policy dialogue held in Kano.

Convened by the North-West Governors’ Forum in partnership with the Office of the Vice President, the European Union, UNICEF and other development partners, the dialogue brought together governors, the Vice President, federal ministers, senior government officials, traditional and religious leaders, the private sector, youth representatives and development partners.

Home to about 60 million people, the North-West region continues to face some of the highest levels of multidimensional poverty in the country, with children and women disproportionately affected.

More than half of children are out of school, while many families face overlapping challenges in health, education, nutrition, water and sanitation, and income security.

Over two days, discussions focused on practical solutions to strengthen social protection systems, improve access to quality education and healthcare, and mobilize sustainable and innovative financing, particularly for the most vulnerable, including those affected by displacement and insecurity.

At the close of the meeting, the North-West Governors adopted a joint communiqué outlining clear commitments to scale up social protection systems, including child-focused benefits, strengthen service delivery, and increase domestic financing for poverty reduction.

The Governors also endorsed a roadmap and monitoring framework to track progress on agreed actions.

Describing the outcome as a shift from intent to action, the Chairman of the North-West Governors’ Forum, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, Governor of Katsina State, represented by the Deputy Governor, Malam Faruk Lawal, noted that the region now has, “a clear set of priorities and responsibilities that will guide how we invest in our people, particularly children, and deliver results that communities can see and feel.”

Building on this, Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, underscored the importance of sustained leadership and coordination, noting that, “the real measure of this dialogue will be in how quickly and effectively these commitments translate into improved lives for families across the North-West,” while reaffirming the Federal Government’s support to the states.

Echoing the focus on delivery, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, highlighted the importance of financing and accountability, stating that, “strong commitments must be backed by sustained investment and transparent systems, so that resources reach those who need them most and drive lasting change.”

Reinforcing the urgency from a child-focused perspective, the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, added that, “for children in the North-West, time is critical. Expanding social protection, improving access to health and education, and prioritizing the most vulnerable will determine whether millions of children have the chance to survive, learn and thrive.”

The dialogue formed part of broader regional efforts to strengthen peace, security and development, recognizing that reducing poverty and vulnerability is central to long-term stability and growth.