Sokoto LGAs pledge support for UNICEF interventions to tackle ‘increasing’ OOSC rate

The 23 local government chairmen in Sokoto have collectively pledged their commitment to reduce the alarming number of out-of-school children and tackle the Almajiri syndrome in the state.

The council chairmen were at a high-level dialogue in Sokoto on Friday.

The meeting was to gain local support for Sokoto’s technical committee on out-of-school children, which is supported by the UN Children Fund.

The LGA’s support, according to the chairmen, is designed to bolster public involvement, strengthen the implementation of educational policies, and launch targeted interventions like rural inclusion and community-based learning.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Maidawa Kajiji of Shagari LGA described the initiative as “timely and necessary,” assuring the committee of their support for a lasting impact.

Kajiji noted that the diverse attendance, which included policymakers, traditional religious leaders, development partners, and civil society organisations, showed a high-level commitment to charting a path forward.

“The consensus is clear. Addressing the out-of-school challenge demands a collective, coordinated approach,” Kajiji stated.

Ladan Ala, the commissioner for basic and secondary education, called on education stakeholders to intensify school monitoring and inspection efforts.

Ala particularly emphasised the need to eliminate political interference in the appointment of school managers and teacher postings to guarantee quality education delivery.

Mustapha Namakka, the chairman of the state’s technical committee, outlined strategic interventions mapped out to reverse the troubling trend and thanked the chairmen for their timely response and intervention.

Umar Nagwari, chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts, including the regular payment of salaries to over 25,000 teachers and the provision of essential learning materials.

Francis Elisha, UNICEF education specialist, reiterated the fund’s continued support to the state.

He stressed the urgency of collaborative action to ensure every child, regardless of background, has access to quality learning opportunities.

“It has been asserted that curtailing the menace of out-of-school children and Almajiri in Sokoto state requires a collective approach, as the number continues to increase,” Elisha concluded.

“Sokoto state leaders are signalling a new era of commitment, accountability, and hope.”