Kano Government Approves ₦1.1bn for Free School Uniforms to Boost Enrollment

By Amanabo Ocholi – The Bureau News

KANO — The Kano State Government has approved over ₦1.1 billion for the procurement of free school uniforms for pupils newly admitted into Primary One for the 2025/2026 academic session.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf gave approval for the release of ₦1,147,582,000, a move aimed at tackling the state’s high number of out-of-school children. The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

Part of Comprehensive Education Reform

Governor Yusuf described the intervention as part of his administration’s broader education reform agenda, which focuses on boosting enrollment, improving retention, and ensuring equal opportunities for children regardless of socio-economic background.

“We recognize the burden many parents face in meeting the needs of their children. By providing uniforms to new pupils, we are not only easing that burden but also sending a strong message that education is a right, not a privilege,” Yusuf stated.

Tackling Out-of-School Crisis

Kano ranks among the states with the highest number of out-of-school children in Nigeria. The governor emphasized that providing free uniforms would encourage street children to return to classrooms, addressing one of the state’s most pressing challenges.

The initiative, which was first introduced in 2024, will be sustained as part of the Kwankwasiyya Gida Gida administration’s campaign promises. It complements other reforms such as:

• Renovation of dilapidated schools

• Provision of learning materials

• Recruitment of qualified teachers

A Step in the Right Direction

Education experts and stakeholders have commended the policy, describing it as a step towards reducing educational inequality in Nigeria.

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