FG, Jigawa govt, AMF strike deal to boost school enrollment, tackle child malnutrition

In a significant development, the Federal Government,  through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on School Feeding, has announced a landmark partnership with the Abdullah Mahmood Foundation (AMF) and the Government of Jigawa State under the Partner Implementation Initiative.

This collaboration represents a major step forward in the collective effort to combat child malnutrition, encourage school enrollment, and empower communities in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

As part of the agreement, the Abdullah Mahmood Foundation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Jigawa State Government to provide nutritious daily meals to 30% of the state’s most vulnerable children. These include children living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, pupils in Almajiri schools, and children from disadvantaged households not currently covered by federal or state school feeding programmes.

This initiative is not only about feeding children; it is about laying a strong foundation for inclusive development, strengthening human capital, and building sustainable partnerships across sectors. By addressing hunger and malnutrition, the programme improves health outcomes, boosts learning capacity, and enhances school retention rates. Furthermore, it creates economic opportunities by engaging women and local farmers in the supply chain, thereby stimulating local economies and empowering families.

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Speaking on the partnership, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on School Feeding, Dr. Yetunde Adeniji affirmed that under the leadership of President Tinubu, the Federal Government is determined to create an enabling environment for public–private collaboration. He described the initiative as “a new dawn where partnerships fuel progress and every Nigerian child is given the opportunity to learn, thrive, and succeed.”

With this milestone, Jigawa State has joined the ranks of progressive states such as Zamfara, Plateau, and Ogun that have embraced similar school feeding initiatives, with Anambra State expected to join soon. The Federal Government commends Jigawa State for its bold leadership in prioritizing the welfare of its children and urges other states to emulate this model, ensuring that no child is left behind in Nigeria’s march toward growth and prosperity.

This initiative is a shining demonstration of what is possible when government and private institutions come together with a shared vision. It embodies the spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda by changing narratives, restoring dignity, and giving the Nigerian child the chance to dream, achieve, and contribute meaningfully to nation-building.

The Federal Government remains committed to expanding such partnerships nationwide, ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to food, education, and hope for a brighter future.