From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has initiated plans to establish special “Second Chance” schools for women who dropped out of formal education for various reasons.
The Executive Chairman of the Board, Alhaji Umar Nagwari Tambuwal, disclosed this in Sokoto, stating that the initiative is primarily targeted at married women and young women within communities.
He explained that the programme is designed to provide beneficiaries with opportunities to acquire both formal education and vocational skills, modern and traditional, aimed at reducing poverty and curbing idleness in society.
Tambuwal maintained that the effort aligns with the education development agenda of the Sokoto State Government under the leadership of Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto.
As part of efforts to actualise the initiative, the SUBEB Chairman has constituted a four-member special committee, led by Permanent Member IV, Hajiya Jamila Abdulkadir Dan’uti.
The committee was inaugurated during a board meeting and is expected to commence its assignment immediately, beginning with a study visit to Kebbi State SUBEB to gain insights into similar programmes.
During the visit, the delegation was received by the Executive Secretary of Kebbi SUBEB, Alhaji Hassan Umar, alongside other directors of the board, who provided guidance and support.
The team was also linked with the Director of Planning, Malam Nuhu Haruna, who conducted them on an inspection tour of Second Chance Schools located in Kalgo Local Government Area and another centre at Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi.
The visit aimed at understudying the operational frameworks and strategies adopted in the centres, with a view to replicating and adapting best practices in Sokoto State.
The proposed schools are part of collaborative efforts between SUBEB and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to promote girls’ education, particularly for those who were unable to complete their schooling.
The initiative underscores the commitment of the SUBEB Chairman to ensure effective utilisation of government resources invested in education and to advance the educational development of girls in the state.
At Government Day Secondary School, Kalgo, the delegation was received by the LGEA Education Secretary, Malam Abdullahi Umaru, alongside the Centre Head, who provided detailed briefings on the structure and management of the school.
Similarly, at the centre within Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi, the team was guided by the Senior Assistant Registrar, Malama Aisha Bello, who took them through various sections of the facility and explained its operations.
Other members of the committee include the Special Adviser to the Executive Chairman, Malam Ahmad Umar Gidadawa Sokoto, and the Public Relations Officer of SUBEB Sokoto, Murtala Muhammad Danladi.