The 23 LGAs chairpersons in Sokoto have pledged their commitment to reduce the number of out-of-school children in the state.

They pledged their support to the Sokoto State Technical Committee on out-of-school children, supported by the UN Children Fund, which is mandated to tackle the growing crisis of out-of-school children and the ‘Almajiri’ syndrome in the state.

The chairpersons made the commitment on Friday in Sokoto, at the end of 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, strengthening the implementation of educational policies, and launching targeted interventions like rural inclusion and community-based learning.

Speaking on behalf of the council chairpersons, Maidawa Kajiji of Shagari LGA described the initiative as “timely and necessary”, assuring the committee of their unwavering support to achieve lasting impact.

Mr Kajiji said the composition of the participants brought together that included policymakers, traditional and religious leaders, development partners, civil society organisations, and community representatives indicated a high level of commitment to chart a path forward.

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

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

Mr Ala restated that political interference in the appointment of school managers and teacher postings must be eliminated to ensure quality education delivery.

Also speaking, Mustapha Namakka, the chairman of the state technical committee, outlined strategic interventions already mapped out by the committee, aimed at reversing the troubling trend.

Mr Namakka added that the outing underscores the importance of the chairmen in influencing public behaviour 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, 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 Francis Elisha reiterated UNICEF’s continued support for Sokoto State in its quest for rapid educational development.

Mr Elisha reiterated 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, has access to quality learning opportunities.

(NAN)