The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), working alongside community leaders and the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC), has intensified efforts to tackle the growing challenge of out-of-school children in Sokoto State.
This renewed commitment was demonstrated during a visit to SKS Model Primary School, Yabo, established in 1922, where stakeholders pledged to sustain enrollment and improve the quality of learning.
Leading the delegation, UNICEF Country Representative, Ms. Wafa Said, praised the school management and SBMC for their progress in boosting enrollment but expressed worry that many children still roam the streets instead of attending classes.
Representing the traditional ruler of Yabo, Mallam Abubakar, highlighted poverty and poor parental awareness as major barriers to education. “Many families cannot afford schooling, while some parents still lack proper understanding of its value,” he explained.
SBMC Chairman, Maiasua Dan Sheu, noted that while the committee had successfully returned several children to school, many struggle to advance to secondary education due to financial constraints.
Community cleric, Alhaji Muhammadu, also shared that religious leaders were using Jumat sermons to promote education, with encouraging results. “I have ensured all my children attained university and master’s degrees, and I continue to advocate the same for others,” he added.
Headmaster of the school, Yusuf Sharu, revealed that SKS Model Primary currently accommodates 1,045 boys and 957 girls. He credited UNICEF’s “Teaching at the Right Level” (TaRL) initiative for improving literacy and learning outcomes. He also commended the agency for providing a borehole, which enhanced hygiene, menstrual health, water access, and agricultural activities within the school.
The UNICEF Head of Sokoto Field Office, Michael Juma, assured continuous support for teacher training and encouraged SBMC to broaden its climate initiatives, such as tree planting and erosion control.
Proudly recalling the school’s history, community leaders noted that SKS Model Primary has produced over 30 professors and other distinguished personalities in its more than 100 years of existence.
Ms. Wafa Said emphasized that this legacy highlights the transformative power of education. “When Nigerian children are given access to learning, they not only uplift their communities but also contribute to Africa and the wider world,” she said.
