Kano State approves N1.1bn for free school uniforms to boost enrolment and reduce dropout rates, especially in rural and low-income communities

Kano State has approved a N1.1 billion allocation for the procurement of free school uniforms for newly enrolled Primary One pupils, in a bid to tackle low school enrolment and high dropout rates across the state.

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The announcement was made on Friday in a statement issued by Sunusi Dawakin-Tofa, spokesman for Governor Abba Yusuf.

Dawakin-Tofa explained that the initiative is aimed at supporting vulnerable families, promoting equal educational opportunity, and ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to quality education from the very beginning of their schooling journey.

“Education is a right, not a privilege. This move will ease the burden on parents, improve retention, and attract out-of-school children into classrooms,” he said.

Kano State approves free school uniforms at a time when Nigeria’s education system—especially in the northern states—continues to struggle with access and equity.

Kano, one of the most populous states in Nigeria, has long ranked among those with the highest number of out-of-school children.

Data from UNICEF and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) estimates that Northern Nigeria accounts for the majority of the country’s 10.5 million out-of-school children, with Kano consistently listed as one of the largest contributors.

This uniform distribution programme aligns with the Kano State Government’s broader education reforms, which include teacher recruitment, infrastructure upgrades, and a renewed push for compulsory basic education.

The initiative, Dawakin-Tofa added, also serves a symbolic purpose—reaffirming the government’s commitment to social equity and educational access, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

Experts say providing school uniforms can increase pupil pride, improve attendance, and contribute to a sense of inclusion—factors which are critical in reducing dropout rates.

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By removing this financial barrier for families, the government hopes to reverse current trends and bring thousands of children—especially girls—back into the education system.