The Zamfara State Universal Basic Education Board (ZSUBEB) has initiated a major offensive against the growing challenge of out-of-school children across the state, partnering with international and local foundations to implement sustainable solutions.
Strategic Partnership for Accurate Data
On November 7, 2025, the Executive Chairman of ZSUBEB, Professor Nasir Garba Anka, convened a crucial meeting with Save the Children International and the Gold Prime Foundation at the board's headquarters in Gusau. The collaborative session focused on strengthening interventions aimed at getting out-of-school children back into the classroom.
During the engagement, both organizations emphasized the critical need for accurate and comprehensive data on the actual number of out-of-school children in Zamfara State. This data is considered essential for supporting effective recruitment, retention, and completion of basic education programs across all fourteen local government areas.
The partner organizations explained that the collected information would guide policy direction and be submitted directly to His Excellency, Governor Dauda Lawal, as part of the ongoing education reforms in the state.
Government's Firm Commitment to Education Rescue
In his response, Professor Anka assured the development partners of the board's full cooperation and reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of Governor Lawal's administration to the Rescue Mission Agenda and the recently declared State of Emergency on education.
"The state government will do everything humanly possible to ensure that every child in Zamfara enjoys access to quality basic education," Professor Anka emphasized during the meeting.
The chairman revealed that the state government has already constituted a special committee tasked with generating reliable and comprehensive data on out-of-school children. This initiative complements ongoing efforts to recruit and train qualified teachers who will drive the project's sustainability and improve learning outcomes throughout the state.
Professor Anka particularly commended Save the Children International and Gold Prime Foundation for their timely recruitment and deployment of volunteer teachers across selected communities in Zamfara. He described this gesture as a significant contribution toward reducing education gaps and supporting children's learning, especially in underserved and remote areas.
Mega School Project Launched in Gusau
In a related development, Professor Anka has officially handed over a construction site to GUPRAN ENGINEERING SERVICES LTD for the commencement of building a new Mega School at Hayin Buba area in Gusau, the state capital.
The ceremony was attended by a delegation of senior government officials, including representatives from the office of the State Surveyor General, Permanent Members of the Board, and Directors from various departments of ZSUBEB.
Professor Anka described the project as a major step toward improving access to quality basic education in Zamfara State. He noted that this initiative is part of Governor Dauda Lawal's ongoing commitment under the Rescue Mission Agenda to revitalize the education sector through infrastructure development and modern learning facilities.
"The construction of the new Mega School will help decongest existing schools, create a conducive learning environment, and expand educational opportunities for children in the state capital and beyond," Professor Anka explained.
The ZSUBEB chairman commended Governor Lawal for his consistent investment in education and assured that the board would ensure transparency, accountability, and strict supervision to guarantee quality delivery of the project. He charged the contractor to adhere strictly to project specifications, quality standards, and timelines, emphasizing that the success of the project will directly benefit the people and contribute to the overall development of the state.
Professor Anka reaffirmed the board's readiness to continue implementing policies and projects that align with the Rescue Mission Agenda of the education sector, aimed at transforming education delivery across Zamfara State.
In his response, the representative of GUPRAN ENGINEERING SERVICES LTD expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in the firm and pledged to execute the project according to approved specifications and within the scheduled timeframe.
