Governor Aliyu's Reforms Tackle Out-of-School Crisis in Sokoto

Governor Aliyu, who assumed office on May 29, 2023, is tackling the significant out-of-school children crisis in Sokoto State, where 20 million children lack basic education, with the state harboring 80% of Nigeria's out-of-school children. The administration faces challenges such as dilapidated school structures, teacher shortages, and socio-cultural barriers.

To combat these issues, Aliyu's government has initiated a series of educational reforms, including declaring free compulsory basic education, abolishing school fees, and removing financial barriers that prevent poor families from enrolling their children. The reforms also focus on the almajiri education system, which has been criticized for leaving children without formal literacy and vocational skills.

A pilot program has been launched to integrate Qur'anic studies with modern academic instruction. The government is employing a data-driven approach to identify and monitor school children, aiming to ensure that every child in Sokoto State has access to education by 2025.