The 23 Local Government Areas, LGAs, chairmen in Sokoto State have pledged their commitment to reduce the size of out-of-school children in the state.
They pledged their support to the Sokoto State Technical on out-of-school children, supported by UN Children Fund, UNICEF, is it’s mandated to tackle the growing crisis of out-of-school children and ‘Almajiri’ syndrome in the state.
The chairmen made the commitment on Friday in Sokoto, at the end a high-level dialogue which engaged education stakeholders on ways to tackle the pressing challenges of out-of-school children.
This support, they said, is aimed at bolstering public involvement, strengthen the implementation of educational policies, and launch targeted interventions like rural inclusion and community-based learning.
Speaking of behalf of the council chairmen, Alhaji Maidawa Kajiji of Shagari LGA, described the initiative as “timely and necessary,” assuring the committee of their unwavering support to achieve lasting impact.
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Kajiji said the composition of the participants brought together that included policymakers, traditional and religious leaders, development partners, civil society organizations, and community representatives indicated high level commitment to chart a path forward.
” The consensus is clear. Addressing the out-of-school challenge, demands a collective, coordinated approach,” Kajiji said.
Prof. Ladan Ala, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education in Sokoto state, called on education stakeholders to intensify school monitoring and inspection efforts.
Ala emphasized that political interference in the appointment of school managers and teacher postings must be eliminated to ensure quality education delivery.
Prof. Mustapha Namakka, the Chairman of the State Technical Committee, outlined strategic interventions already mapped out by the committee, aimed at reversing the troubling trend.
Namakka added that the outings underscore the importance of the Chairmen in influencing public behavior and policy implementation.
He thanked the Association of Local Government Chairmen for the timely response and intervention to support the government in this noble course.
The Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, Alhaji Umar Nagwari , highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts, including the regular payment of salaries to over 25,000 teachers and the provision of essential learning materials.
UNICEF Education Specialist, Mr. Francis Elisha reiterated the UNICEF’s continued support to Sokoto State in its quest for rapid educational development.
Elisha emphasized that UNICEF remains committed to working with the government and local stakeholders to ensure every child has access to quality education, laying the foundation for a brighter and more equitable future.
He explained that the meeting underscored the urgency of collaborative action to strengthen Sokoto’s educational system and ensure that every child regardless of background must has access to quality learning opportunities.
”Sokot State,Sokoto State leaders are signaling a new era of commitment, accountability, and hope, as 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,” he said.
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