Governor Aliyu reaffirms commitment to education as Bedrock of Sokoto’s future

Gbolahan Salman

In a powerful reaffirmation of his administration’s dedication to the transformation of education, Sokoto State Governor , Ahmed Aliyu, has described education as bedrock of the future of the state.

The governor stated this on Wednesday in his remarks during the Governing Board of the Federal College of Education, Gidan Madi on a courtesy visit, pledging full support to the institution and highlighting far-reaching plans to uplift education across the state.

Speaking during the visit, Governor Aliyu congratulated the board members on their recent appointments, describing the selection as a well-deserved recognition of their capabilities and a testament to the administration’s resolve to support educational progress.

“I have no doubt that your wealth of experience will meaningfully contribute to the growth and development of this young but promising institution,” Governor Aliyu stated. “Your appointment is not only a recognition of your individual merit, but also a source of pride for the entire state.”

The Governor emphasized that education remains the cornerstone of meaningful societal development, reiterating that no nation can rise beyond the quality of its educational system.

“This is why our administration places a high priority on education,” he said.

“We believe it is the key to unlocking our potential and a crucial instrument for sustainable development.”

Aliyu assured the board of the state government’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Federal College of Education, Gidan Madi, particularly in the area of teacher education which he described as critical to building a solid foundation for the basic education sector.

“We are determined to see this institution thrive,” he affirmed. “Our vision is to raise educators who will not only impart knowledge, but inspire excellence among our children and youth.”

The Governor noted that the state government is already undertaking deliberate efforts to uplift the standard of its own tertiary institutions.

He cited ongoing renovations and upgrades at Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto State University, and Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, aimed at creating a more conducive environment for learning.

“Just recently, the administration awarded a contract for the renovation of the lecture theatres at Shehu Shagari College of Education” a gesture Governor Aliyu promised to extend to other state-owned institutions.

“We are doing this to ensure that our academic institutions reflect the aspirations of our people,” he said.

“We are also determined to move Sokoto out of the list of educationally disadvantaged states, and with the support of our people, we shall achieve this, Insha Allah.”

Governor Aliyu also reiterated his government’s commitment to sponsoring brilliant individuals to pursue studies both locally and abroad, describing it as a long-term investment in human capital development.

Governor Aliyu called on parents, communities, and stakeholders to complement government efforts by encouraging and supporting the education of their children.

“Together, we can build a stronger, more enlightened, and prosperous Sokoto State,” he concluded.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Governing Board, Dr Abdullahi Adamu, commended the Governor for the consistent support Sokoto State has extended to the college, including the recent payment of land compensation to the host community, a move he said has brought peace and goodwill to the institution.

The Chairman also called on the Governor to consider the renovation and handover of staff housing units adjacent to Sokoto, to ease the burden of accommodation for staff who currently travel over 60 kilometers daily to Gidan Madi.

The board emphasized the importance of initiating the process of selecting new principal officers for the college, as current tenures are set to end in early 2026.