On the 4th of September, 2024, the Back to School Educational Initiative (BASEI), in collaboration with the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN), the project supported by Rise Up, held a strategic meeting with the Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority (KSSQAA) to discuss initiatives aimed at improving access to education, particularly for girls and vulnerable students in senior secondary schools. The meeting was hosted by Dr. Usman Abubakar Zaria, the Director General of KSSQAA, with key stakeholders in attendance, including Rev. John Joseph Hayab, Country Director of GPFN, Executive Director BASEI Jibril Sulaiman Zakirai, and the project lead team of Abdul Ahmed and Ahmadu Shettima.
The primary goal was to explore strategies for addressing financial and security barriers preventing students from continuing their education. Several key points were discussed, including the need for advocacy around examination fee sponsorships, collaboration on data collection, and legislative action to address these challenges. The meeting was highly productive, with participants agreeing on a plan to expand the advocacy efforts and ensure a more inclusive education system across the state.