Abuja: The Federal Government has officially launched the Alternate Education and Renewed Hope National Home Grown School Feeding Project, which aims to reach 20 million out-of-school and informal children by 2026. The initiative was announced by Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, during a launch event in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Yilwatda explained that the programme is implemented under the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (RH-NHGSFP) in collaboration with the National Commission for Almajiri and Out of School Children Education and the National Identity Management Commission. This project is a key initiative of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) and commemorates President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office.
The minister emphasized the importance of inclusive and equitable education for children currently outside the formal educational system. Yilwatda highlighted that the project represents a strategic response to address the increasing number of out-of-school children, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn and grow. The pilot site for this transformative initiative is Karsana II, a nomadic settlement in the Federal Capital Territory.
Temporary learning centers have been established at the pilot site, including facilities for pupils from Primary one to three, a staff room, and a solar-powered borehole to ensure access to clean water. The learning programme is integrated with a daily school meal service to provide each child with a nutritious meal, aiming to improve school attendance and retention, as well as cognitive and physical development.
Dr. Badamasi Lawal, National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of NSIPA, stated that the project has evolved from a school-based nutrition intervention to a policy instrument for human capital growth and socio-economic resilience. The initiative targets children in unconventional circumstances, such as those in displaced camps and informal settlements, to reduce the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
Dr. Aderemi Adebowale, National Programme Manager of RH-NHGSFP, revealed that the pilot programme in Karasana targets 200 almajiri children. The programme adopts an inclusive, community-led model for management, feeding, and foundational learning, integrating children living in border communities and informal camps.
Dr. Nurudeen Zauro, Technical Advisor to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion, emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s mandate for inclusiveness and economic and financial inclusion. The Chairman of the House Committee on Poverty Alleviation, represented by Deputy Alex Ikwechegh, pledged support for the project, highlighting the government’s dedication to reducing poverty in Nigeria.
