Gbolahan Salman Sokoto
The Executive Chairman of the Sokoto State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Alhaji Umar Nagari Tambuwal, has reaffirmed the state government’s resolve to prioritise Early Childhood Education (ECE) as a sustainable solution to the rising number of out-of-school children in the North-West.
Tambuwal spoke at a high-level media dialogue on strengthening early childhood education and expanding access to quality learning in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States, organised in partnership with UNICEF.
He stressed that research has consistently shown that the first eight years of a child’s life are critical to cognitive, emotional and social development, describing early learning as the bedrock of long-term academic success.
“Early childhood education is not optional; it is foundational. When children miss this stage, the consequences often reflect in poor enrollment, weak retention and increased dropout rates,” he said.
The SUBEB chairman disclosed that between 2024 and 2025, over 160 Early Childhood Care Development centres received teaching and learning materials through UNICEF’s support, while an additional 80 centres are expected to benefit under the next phase of intervention.
He added that the state government has embraced a data-driven and multi-sectoral strategy to reform the education sector, including the introduction of a Digital Students Initiative in May 2025 aimed at improving data collection, monitoring and planning.
Tambuwal further revealed that under the AGILE project, infrastructure grants were provided to 240 secondary schools to create a more conducive learning environment and encourage school retention.
According to him, community engagement remains central to the reform agenda, with traditional and religious leaders now actively involved in tracking enrollment and promoting school attendance across rural and urban communities.
“We are shifting from isolated campaigns to structured partnerships. Education is a collective responsibility, and every stakeholder must play a role,” he stated.
In his remarks, Sokoto State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ala Ahmed, noted that strengthening early childhood education would significantly improve transition and completion rates at higher levels of schooling.
He observed that enrollment figures in parts of the North-West remain below expected benchmarks, calling for sustained collaboration among government, development partners and civil society groups.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Bashir Maigari Dingyadi, emphasised the media’s role in driving awareness and public participation.
“The media is critical in shaping public understanding and mobilising communities toward enrolling children in school,” he said.
The Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Sokoto, Micheal Juma, reiterated the agency’s commitment to supporting teacher training, improved funding, and digital systems to track children’s enrollment and ensure smooth transition from ECE to primary education.
Participants at the dialogue agreed that sustained investment, improved teacher capacity and stronger community partnerships are essential to reducing the out-of-school children crisis and achieving inclusive, quality education in the region.
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