STCI, Engages Sokoto Governor On Tsangaya Reformation and Gender Responsive Education Budgeting

STCI, Engages Sokoto Governor On Tsangaya Reformation and Gender Responsive Education Budgeting

BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto

A non governmental organization, Save The Child  Initiative (STCI) Nigeria, with support from PLAN International EU-INTPA Project has led other civil society organizations such as women led, disability, youth and community based groups to engage  Sokoto State governor on Gender Responsive Education Budgeting 

Assessing stakeholders at the one day citizen engagement on the 2025 budget of Sokoto held at the Sultan Maccido Institute for Qu’ranic and General Studies, the STCI’s Head of Migration, Mobility and Protection, Malam Rabiu Gandi admonished the state  government to take advantage of the interest invested on the Tsangayya school by the PLAN International and other donors agencies and  continue to give priority to that critical sector. 

Rabiu who underscored the importance of female  education in the contemporary realty, added that, creating enabling environment is the first most needed priority towards fostering enrolment, retention and completion of school age boys and girls in the northern part of Nigeria. 

Speaking earlier, the state governor, Ahmed Aliyu reiterated his administration’s commitment of human capital and infrastructural development, adding his love for education continue to manifest in the highest budgetary allocation to the sector. 

The governor who also listed, health, peace and security as very sacrosanct to having a wealthy nation, added that his  administration remained committed  to delivering the 9-Point agenda he promised the state. 

“”We will continue to renovate all hospitals in the 244 council wards of the state. And provide mobile ambulances each to all of them in addition to providing medicaments, the health ministry will  get 15 percent of Sokoto’s 2025 Budget”

On the education sector, the governor said, “”we will ensure that the sector gets 25 percent of the 2025 budgetary allocation.

He further noted that his administration is very concerned about Tsangaya education adding, the Almajiris roaming the streets of Sokoto are not those studying in the states Tsamgaya schools where they are fed, housed and clothed but people from other states who were been chased out by bandits and taking refuge in Sokoto. 

“‘Our known Almajiris are in schools getting the needed care and studies that include both Islamic and Western education.

”This is evenore so that, promoting Islamic affairs is second in my administration policy, hence Sokoto state is hundred percent Muslims and we will continue to do what we can including improvement on the Tsangya education to ensure that our religion remain the best””, governor Ahmed Aliyu enthused. 

While emphasizing that skill acquisition is equally crucial in his governance policy, the governor says he plans to 

positively engage unemployed youths, and women on skills of their choices, ensure that they are equally certificated, given grants and tools.

”By so doing, we would be reducing idleness and bad social vices from amongst our society to a large extent””. 

Earlier in a goodwill message, the UNICEF Sokoto Chief of Field Office, Mr Micheal Juma said they have concluded plans to invest 16 billion naira for children and women wellbeing in  Sokoto by 2025. 

The UNICEF scribe however appealed for the introduction of child benefit allowances for poor and vulnerable households in Sokoto to help address their basic needs and improve their access to  services. 

On his part, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad  Sa’ad Abubakar 111 appealed for a possible upward review of allowances given to traditional leaders in the state in view of the challenging economy of the nation. 

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Sultan who was represented by the Sayin Kilgori, Dr Muahhmad Jabir Kilgori said these traditional leaders are the custodian of their cultural values and closest to the locals. 

Reacting to the town hall meeting on 2025 budget, former deputy governor of the state, Muktari Shagari said governor Ahmed Aliyu has initiated  a budget wit human face, hence demonstrating highly commendable step towards ensuring delivery of good governance. 

Towing same lane 

 another former deputy governor, Chiso Abdullahi Dantijo appealed to the governor ro review special assistance to principals across the state to enable them carry out minor repairs without waiting until it becomes worse. 

Also advising, Senator Salihu Bakwe urged the governor to ensure sustainability of all programmes and policies initiated, adding only that can guarantee genuine development in a state. 

Those that monitored the Sokoto state citizens budget include, NGOs such as USAID, PLAN international, UNICEF, Save The Child Initiative (STCI), Nigeria, CBOs, Youths and Women Groups as well as representatives of people with special  needs.