The Kaduna State Government has underscored the importance of the school feeding program in enhancing education, particularly in the northern region of Nigeria. This was emphasized by Dr. Fauziya Ado, Special Assistant to the Kaduna State Governor on the School Feeding Program, during a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday.

Dr. Ado highlighted the program’s critical role in addressing the educational challenges faced by schoolchildren, especially in northern Nigeria. She emphasized that the school feeding initiative is not just about providing meals but also about fostering an environment that supports consistent school attendance and academic success, particularly for girls.

“We are witnessing a significant increase in the number of girls attending school, which is a positive shift from the past,” Dr. Ado noted. “However, to sustain this progress, it is essential to strengthen schools with better facilities, provide teachers with the necessary training, and ensure the continuation of the school feeding program.”

Dr. Ado stressed that improving school infrastructure and addressing students’ basic needs, such as ensuring access to hygiene products, are crucial to creating a conducive learning environment. She argued that by focusing on these areas, all children, regardless of their background, would have the resources they need to thrive academically and build brighter futures.

The Special Assistant also highlighted the need to support families in alleviating their financial burdens, which she identified as a key factor in encouraging consistent school attendance. “Every child, particularly girls, must have the opportunity to thrive academically and build a brighter future,” she said, adding that the increased turnout of girls in schools reflects a positive societal change, but there is still much work to be done.

Expressing gratitude, Dr. Ado praised Governor Uba Sani for his unwavering commitment to the School Feeding Program in Kaduna State and for the trust he has placed in her to oversee the initiative. She also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for empowering the youth to contribute to the nation’s development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Kaduna State Government’s reaffirmation of its commitment to the school feeding program underscores its role in driving educational progress in the region, particularly in addressing gender disparities in school attendance. As the program continues to expand, it is expected to play a vital role in shaping the future of education in northern Nigeria.