About 76% of children in Zamfara do not attend school – Group

Out-of-school children in Zamfara State has hit about 76 per cent while the pupil-teacher ratio is 50:1, a survey conducted by a women group, High Level Women Advocates (HILWA) in the state has shown.

Speaking during a press conference to mark the 2016 International Day of the Girl Child on Thursday, HILWA chairperson, Hajiya Suwaiba Barau said only 46% of the teachers are qualified.

According to her, more than 50% of the pupils that completed primary school education in the state cannot properly read a complete English sentence.

The executive chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, (SUBEB), Alhaji Murtala Adamu Jangebe, said lack of qualified teachers and dedication from the staff has seriously affected learning in the schools.