The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, has praised the Federal Government for establishing the Almajiri Commission, aimed at addressing the issue of out-of-school children. He also expressed his full support for the Sokoto State Government’s initiative to reduce the number of children not attending school. The Sultan made these remarks during a meeting with a high-powered committee tasked with reversing the trend of out-of-school children in the state.
The committee, established by Governor Ahmed Aliyu, is part of the state’s efforts to tackle the growing number of out-of-school children. The Sultan described the move as a significant step towards inclusive education and essential social reforms in Nigeria. He pledged his total commitment to the initiative, emphasizing that it is both a moral and religious duty.
The Sultan urged all stakeholders and individuals to support the effort, stating that the palace is open to collaboration with anyone working to promote knowledge, compassion, and justice. He emphasized that education is the foundation for peace, stability, and sustainable development. The Sultan also commended the committee members for accepting the responsibility and urged them to remain committed to their mandate.
The committee’s chairman, Prof. Mustapha Namakka, expressed gratitude for the Sultan’s support and guidance, noting that it would help mobilize public support for the initiative. The committee is poised to launch targeted interventions focused on education, rural inclusion, and community-based learning, with the strategic input of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The initiative is part of UNICEF’s broader efforts to address the alarming rate of out-of-school children in Sokoto State. The courtesy visit included committee members, UNICEF representatives, and other key stakeholders. The Sultan’s endorsement is expected to galvanize grassroots support, encourage parental involvement, and strengthen policy implementation across the state.
The Sokoto State Government’s initiative is a crucial step towards addressing the issue of out-of-school children, which is a significant challenge in Nigeria. The establishment of the Almajiri Commission and the committee’s efforts are aimed at providing education and opportunities to these children, ultimately contributing to the state’s development and stability. With the support of the Sultan and other stakeholders, the initiative is expected to make a positive impact on the lives of out-of-school children in Sokoto State.