NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
FG inaugurates feeding programme for 20m out-of-school, other children
General News

FG inaugurates feeding programme for 20m out-of-school, other children

203 total views today

By Angela Atabo

The Federal Government has inaugurated the Alternate Education and Renewed Hope National Home Grown  School Feeding Project to expand the scope of feeding by  reaching  20 million out-of-school and informal children in 2026.

Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, made this known while launching the programme on Tuesday in Abuja.

Yilwatda said the programme was implemented by the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (RH-NHGSFP).

He explained that it was also in collaboration with National Commission for Almajiri and Out of School Children Education and National Identity Management Commission.

He said the project was one of the flagship initiatives of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) in commemoration of President Bola Tinubu’s second year anniversary.

“There is no better time to renew our commitment to inclusive, equitable, and quality education especially for the millions of children currently outside the formal education system.

“The Alternate Education Programme is a strategic and compassionate response to one of the most critical educational and social development challenges of our time—the rising number of out-of-school children.

“It is our firm belief that every child, regardless of background, location, or social status, deserves the right to learn, to grow, and to dream.

“In furtherance of this goal, the NHGSFP under the renewed mandate of NSIPA has identified Karsana II, a nomadic settlement in the Federal Capital Territory, as the pilot site of this transformative initiative.”

Yilwatda said temporary learning centres have been established to accommodate pupils from Primary one to three, a staff room and a solar-powered borehole have been dedicated  to guarantee access to clean water for the children and their families.

He said the learning programme was integrated with the NHGSFP’s daily school meal service to ensure that each child receives a nutritious meal every school day.

According to the minister, the dual intervention will not only improve school attendance and retention but also significantly enhance their cognitive and physical development.

“This is not merely an education or feeding initiative—it is a holistic, rights-based intervention that delivers education, nutrition, identity, and dignity to the Nigerian child,” he said.

Yilwatda said that the objective was to build a national framework for reintegrating out-of-school children into safe, structured, and nourishing learning environments.

Dr Badamasi Lawal, National Coordinator and Chief Executive Office of the NSIPA, said the project which began as a school-based nutrition intervention has matured into a policy instrument for inclusion, human capital growth, and socio-economic resilience.

“With the Alternate Education Programme, we are moving beyond conventional boundaries to reach children in unconventional circumstances, those in out of school settings, displaced camps, informal settlements, and almajiris.

“This is not charity. It is justice. It is governance at its most intentional,” Lawal said.

He noted that the programme was designed to reduce the out of school children in Nigeria, improve enrollment and help transition from one level of primary education to the other and to secondary school.

“This is to bring inclusiveness into the feeding programme to ensure that no child is left behind.”

Also speaking, Dr Aderemi Adebowale, National Programme Manager, Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (RH-NHGSFP), said 200 almajiri children were being targeted in Karasana in the pilot programme.

Adebowale said that the programme integrated children living in border communities, informal camps through an inclusive, community-led model management, feeding, and foundational learning.

She said that RH-NHGSFP was in charge of the tripartite feeding project being executed while the Almajiri commission was responsible for teaching and NIMC would do the verification.

“So the three of us are coming together to do what our mandates are. But we are not just limiting our mandate to the children that are already captured in school.

“We are also now taking that mandate to the out-of-school children in Nigeria.”

Dr Nurudeen Zauro, Technical Advisor to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion in the Office of the Vice President, said one of the president’s mandates is inclusiveness and it is going all out to achieve that.

According to Zauro, Tinubu’s administration is committed to economic and financial inclusion and the feeding project is about financial and economic inclusion, a project aligned with his renewed hope agenda.

The Chairman, House Committee on Poverty Alleviation, Abdulkadir Jobe, represented by his deputy Alex Ikwechegh, said the project demonstrated the government’s untiring efforts at reducing  poverty in Nigeria and promised support to ensure its success.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yakubu Uba

Academic wants preservation of mother tongue in schools
Education

Academic wants preservation of mother tongue in schools

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By Angela Atabo

An academic, Mrs Oby Ezeilo has called  for the preservation of mother tongues in secondary schools by reviving the study of languages.

Ezeilo made the call at the Send Off party for Igbo speaking students graduating from the Federal Government Boys College, Abuja,  wuye campus.

She said language preservation was crucial for maintaining cultural identity, preserving traditional knowledge, and promoting linguistic diversity.

According to her, language safeguards cultural heritage, including oral traditions and unique perspectives on the world.

She said that indigenous languages could be preserved and promoted by documenting, teaching, and encouraging the use of native languages by students.

“The essence of teaching them Igbo language is to preserve and promote indigenous languages.

“There is a need to also support language revitalisation in secondary schools because it can help maintain cultural diversity and promote linguistic rights.

“The objectives of promoting indigenous languages includes: cultural preservation, language revitalisation, and community empowerment to take ownership of their languages and cultural identities.

“It will also promote linguistic diversity and support education and inclusion.”

Ezeilo said the send forth was a celebration of the students’ completion of their language course and a testament to the impact on the students’ lives and the appreciation they have for her teaching.

She said that her effort extended beyond language instruction, adding that the aim was to inspire future generations to appreciate and preserve their cultural heritage.(NAN)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

FG relaunches national school feeding programme
Metro

FG relaunches national school feeding programme

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By Philomina Attah
The Federal Government is set to relaunch its Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (RH-NHGSFP) on May 29.

 

The Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Yusuf Sununu, revealed this on Wednesday during a meeting with development partners, NGOs, and government officials in Abuja.

 

Sununu announced that the relaunch would take place to mark President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office.

 

He said the programme aims to combat child hunger and improve educational outcomes across the country.

 

Sununu highlighted the plan’s holistic design — providing daily nutritious meals using locally sourced ingredients to support both children’s health and local farming communities.

 

He stressed the need for transparency, accountability, and collaboration to sustain the programme and ensure its long-term success.

 

“The initiative aims to benefit 10 million children and could increase school enrolment by 20 per cent and academic performance by 15 per cent by 2025,” he said.

 

The relaunch comes amid projections that over 30 million Nigerians may face hunger, underscoring the urgency of swift and effective implementation.

 

“Our mission is to feed every public school pupil in Primary One to Three, nurturing their potential and building the nation’s future,” he stated.

 

The programme is also designed to reduce malnutrition, boost school retention rates, and contribute meaningfully to national development.

 

He described it as a major step towards fighting hunger, malnutrition, and low school enrolment across the country.

 

He urged community ownership, active parental involvement, and training for cooks, while noting the programme’s potential to empower women and smallholder farmers.

 

Development partners, including the AMA Foundation and private firms like Tetra Pak, have pledged support for the renewed initiative.

 

The government also promised reforms, improved monitoring, and collaboration to guarantee sustainability and measurable impact.

 

Sununu called on all stakeholders to unite, stressing that the programme is capital intensive and requires joint effort for success.

 

Dr Aderemi Adebowale, National Programme Manager of RH-NHGSFP, described the programme as an investment in the nation’s future.

 

She said the aim extends beyond feeding — it also includes empowering women, youth, and farmers through inclusive and sustainable practices.

 

Adebowale noted that N100 billion has been allocated in the 2025 budget to scale up reach and deepen community impact.

 

“The updated RH-NHGSFP will provide daily meals to public primary pupils using food grown and sourced locally,” she explained.

 

She emphasised the power of collaboration, saying success would depend on collective action and a shared national vision.

 

Between 2018 and 2022, the programme improved nutrition and enrolment, but struggled with supply chain and farmer involvement issues.

 

Adebowale disclosed new QR-coded supply chains and real-time tracking for better transparency, quality control, and accountability.

 

According to her, the programme will fully integrate women, youth, cooks, and farmers, offering targeted training and income opportunities.

 

“Nutritionists, health professionals, and supervisors will monitor food quality and assess pupil health and programme outcomes.

 

“The focus remains on local sourcing, especially through women-led cooperatives, aiming to reduce rural poverty by 40 per cent,” Adebowale said.

 

She said collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission would ensure all beneficiaries are registered and tracked.

 

She urged partnerships with development agencies, community leaders, politicians, and state governors to ensure nationwide ownership.

 

Dr Badamasi Lawal, CEO of NSIPA, said the relaunch represents a turning point in Nigeria’s fight against child hunger and inequality.

 

Represented by Dr Binta Musa, he called on stakeholders to unite and secure a healthier, more inclusive future for children.

 

The meeting ended with a call for strategic partnerships to align the initiative with key Sustainable Development Goals. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Army constructs secondary school in Kontagora cantonment
Defence/Security

Army constructs secondary school in Kontagora cantonment

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By Rita Iliya
The Nigerian Army has commenced construction of Command Day Secondary School in Kontagora Military Cantonment in Niger.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, inaugurated the construction of the school in Kontagora military cantonment on Tuesday.

Oluyede was represented at the occasion by Maj.-Gen. John Sokoya, Commander, Nigerian Army Training Centre.

He said the establishment of the secondary school was a key component of his command philosophy, which prioritises the welfare of troops and their families.

He said the absence of a secondary school in the cantonment had been challenging to the smooth transition of pupils from primary to secondary school.

He said that the new secondary school would provide access to quality education for the children of military personnel and the host community.

The COAS said the project would boost the morale of troops, knowing that their welfare and that of their families is given priority.

“The school will serve as a hub for community engagement, promoting peaceful coexistence between the military and the host community,” he said.

He reiterated the Nigerian army’s commitment to providing quality education for children.

Earlier in his welcome address, Maj.-Gen. Zakari Abubakar, Commander Corps of Artillery, said the project would provide quality education to the children of military personnel and the host community.

“On assumption of duty, we observed a gap in the educational system of wards in the cantonment. Since the establishment of the barrack, it has no secondary school.

“This was evident as the only educational facilities available within the cantonment were the Army Children School established in 1973 and the Vulcan Nursery and Primary School established in 1995.

“The yearly enrolment from the barracks and host community over the years number over 1,000 pupils.

”These pupils are faced with the challenge of transiting on graduation from primary to secondary school,” he said.

He said following the needs assessment, it was observed that this lapse was a challenge to the wards of personnel, adding that it has also affected the morale of the troops.

Abubakar commended the COAS for approving the establishment of the school, saying the gesture would bridge the transition from primary to secondary school gap.(NAN)
RIS/IS

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Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Etsu Kwali rates Wike high on schools’ rehabilitation across FCT
Metro

Etsu Kwali rates Wike high on schools’ rehabilitation across FCT

408 total views today

By Philip Yatai

Mr Luka Nizassan, Etsu Kwali, Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has rated FCT Minister Nyesom Wike high on school rehabilitation and upgrade across the territory.

Nizassan stated this in an Interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday.

NAN reports that Wike had on March 21, 2024, inaugurated the rehabilitation, upgrade and reconstruction of public secondary schools across the FCT.

The Minister had explained that the move was part of President Bola Tinubu administration’s efforts to improve access to quality education in public schools.

The Kwali traditional ruler said that so far, renovations were ongoing in more than 75 schools across the six area councils of the FCT with some already completed.

He said that as of mid-2024, the Wike-led FCT Administration had renovated Government Technical Secondary School, Kwali, and Junior Government Secondary School, Pai.

He added that renovation of Government Secondary School, Kwali, was equally ongoing.

According to him, the rehabilitation programme is already improving access to quality and inclusive education in public schools across the FCT.

He particularly commended the FCT Minister for improving schools’ infrastructure, including provision of water and sanitation facilities.

“The resolve of the honourable Minister to improve access to quality education and ensure equity for all learners in FCT, including rural residents, is remarkable.

“Learning spaces are now safer and conducive. These potent learning opportunities are already yielding great results.

“Also, ensuring that all students in urban and rural areas have access to quality education is particularly empowering the natives and residents of FCT to live quality lives in the future.

Nizassan equally said that Wike’s schools’ intervention was already addressing inequality in the education sector by providing equal access to education and vocational training.

This, he said, was empowering the natives of FCT to lead sustainable lives and make decisions that improved their quality of life.

Describing Wike as “God’s sent”, the traditional ruler said that the Minister was realising the full vision of Tinubu’s administration for the people of FCT.

“The Minister’s achievements in just a year and few months had surpassed that of previous administrations put together.

“Wike’s remarkable achievements should be lauded and emulated by all duty bearers,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Nigerian smart schools get KOICA’s N9.5m grant
Education

Nigerian smart schools get KOICA’s N9.5m grant

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By Sarafina Christopher

Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has awarded N9.5 million in cash grants and laptops to smart schools in Nasarawa, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Bauchi, Cross River, Ekiti, and Kano States.

The awards were distributed in four categories to include best smart school, best teachers, best students, and best content which were given during the first best practice conference of KOICA Smart Schools which was held on Dec. 9 and 10 in Abuja.

In a statement made available to NAN on Thursday, Nasarawa Smart School, led by the Principal, Mr Ja’afar Adi and Head Teacher, Mrs Fatima Sani, emerged the overall best smart school in Nigeria, securing a cash grant of N3 million and laptops.

Kano and Bauchi states smart schools followed in second and third places, receiving N2 million and N1.5 million grants along with laptops. Other participating schools also received N1 million in support grants.

In the individual categories, Mr Ruslana Aminu from Kano State was honored as the best primary school teacher, while Mr Liyel Eyo from Cross River won the best junior secondary school Teacher award.

Saminu Shafi’u and Ahmad Shafi’u, both from Kano State won the best student primary and junior secondary schools category.

Cross River smart school was recognised for producing the best content in both mathematics and science subjects.

KOICA Country Director, Mr Son Sungil said that the conference serves as a platform for KOICA-supported smart schools from the aforementioned states to showcase their innovative practices, review school management strategies, and enhance their curriculum operations.

“School principals, head teachers, teachers, and students demonstrated their teaching methodologies, skills in digital content creation, and effective use of storytelling through digital technology,” he stated.

Son also noted that since the launch of its Smart education initiative in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in 2021, KOICA has been instrumental in advancing educational standards in Nigeria.

“KOICA started a smart education project with UBEC, installing modern education content development Studios in 6 smart schools across 6 states, training over 250 teachers, principals and education stakeholders in Korea and Nigeria on smart education,

“Developing Smart education guidelines for school operation and handing over 1,662 educational contents on mathematics and science subjects to smart schools in Nigeria through UBEC.

He also expressed his satisfaction with the project’s outcomes, highlighting its role in enhancing basic education in Nigeria.

Malam Mamoud Muhammed, Director of Technical Services at UBEC, noted that the conference provided an excellent opportunity for both UBEC and KOICA to assess the impacts of the smart school projects across the states.

NAN reports that all the winners received laptops, tablets, and additional incentives for their outstanding achievements.(NAN)

Edited by Halima Sheji

DEPOWA sensitises, distributes sanitary pads to girls
Defence/Security

DEPOWA sensitises, distributes sanitary pads to girls

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Defence and Police Officer’s Wives Association (DEPOWA) on Monday sensitised girls of adolescent age to menstrual health hygiene and distributed sanitary pads at the Junior Secondary School Dei-Dei in Abuja.

The President of DEPOWA, Mrs Oghogho Musa, said the event ‘Menstrual Health, Hygiene management and Reusable Pad-making training’ was organised to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child 2024.

Musa said the initiative was informed by the need to support girls and help them reach their full potential.

She said the association also introduced the making and use of reusable pad to the students to ease the burden of buying disposable types.

“We celebrate the potential, resilience and strength of girls worldwide.

“We recognise the obstacles they face from gender based violence, limited access to education and healthcare, but most importantly, we affirm our commitment to creating a world where girls can strive.

“Therefore, as part of the commitment towards empowering girls to end period poverty in public schools in the FCT, we are here today for the menstrual health and hygiene management and reusable pad-making training for all our lovely schoolgirls here today,” she said.

Musa added that the initiative was in line with her vision to see women and girls become productive contributors to family and society driven by a deep sense of values and hard working spirit.

She commended the girls for their enthusiasm towards learning how to help themselves in taking care of their menstrual health.

She, therefore, urged the students to be committed and learn, assuring them that their dreams were valid and their future were bright.

“You are change makers. You are the leaders of tomorrow,” she added.

The facilitator, Ms Amara Ezediniru, said the occasion was driven by the desire to end “period poverty” among girls.

She said that some girls often miss classes due to period of menstrual flow and inability to access sanitary pads.

“We were told that girls are uncomfortable coming to school during their monthly flow and how some of them even miss classes because they don’t have who to help them take care of their menstrual situation.

“We were told that the children here, a lot of them are from non-privileged homes and that is why we have come to identify with you.

“This is because every girl child is important to us not just to give you pads, but we want to teach you about menstrual hygiene.

“We also want to teach you how to make reusable sanitary pads so that you can make for yourself and use them.

“Then you won’t have to miss school and you won’t have to be disadvantaged,” she said.

The Principal of the School, Mr Abdullahi Lakuza, commended DEPOWA for the sensitisation and donation to the school girls, appealing to the association to assist the school in other areas of needs.

“We have been crying of so many things, but our mother is here to help us, not just about your menstrual period, but I’m sure she can even do much more,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

SWEDI donates dignity packs to celebrate school girls in Abuja
Gender

SWEDI donates dignity packs to celebrate school girls in Abuja

699 total views today

By Philip Yatai

An NGO, Safe World Empowerment and Development Initiative (SWEDI), has donated dignitary packs to school girls to commemorate 2024 International Day of the Girl Child in Abuja.

Some of the items include sanitary pads, toothbrush and paste, toilet paper, bathing soap and vaseline among others.

The founder and Executive Director of the NGO, Ms Sewuese Asa, led the distribution on Friday, at Junior Secondary School, Kabusa, in Abuja Municipal Area Council.

Asa said that the support was in line with the 2024 theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future”, to empower young girls through the SWEDI Care programme.

She said that the initiative was designed to support girls’ menstrual health, through sensitisation on menstrual hygiene and distribution of dignity packs.

This, she said, would ensure that no girl is held back by menstrual period.

She explained that the school outreach was to support girls’ menstrual hygiene and overall well-being, in line with the NGO’s vision of creating lasting change for women and girls across Nigeria.

The executive director also emphasised the importance of girls’ education, health and leadership training to enable them to contribute to the advancement of the society.

“SWEDI Care is more than just  products; it is about ensuring that every girl can continue to dream, learn, and lead with confidence and dignity.

“The outreach has attracted the attention of stakeholders to the critical issue of menstrual hygiene among young girls.

She reaffirmed SWEDI’s commitment to continue advocating for girls’ rights and well-being.

One of the school girls, Fatima Mohammed Fatima, described the outreach as simply “informative and impactful.”

Mohammed, who is the Head Girl of the school, thanked SWEDI for the enlightenment, saying, “we have learnt about the importance of menstrual hygiene and how to take care of ourselves, especially during menstrual period.

“The dignity packs we received from SWEDI Care are going to help us to stay confident and comfortable in school.

“I have learnt that having a menstrual period is normal and nothing to be ashamed of, and with the dignity pack from SWEDI, I now have the things I need to manage my period properly, even when I am at school.

“This programme has made me feel more confident about myself.

“I will share this knowledge with my friends and younger girls, so they don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed when they are menstruating.

“They need to know how to take care of themselves. We all deserve to feel strong and proud; no matter what,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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