Govt, Partners Assist 100 Vulnerable Pupils In Sokoto

Plan International Nigeria, in partnership with IHS Nigeria and the Sokoto State Government, has distributed 100 Premium EduKits to vulnerable pupils in Silame Local Government Area to mark the International Day of the African Child.

The distribution, held at Junior Secondary School Kubodu and Junior Secondary School Marafa Nizzamiya, saw 50 pupils in each school receive the learning packs.

Each EduKit contains exercise books, writing materials, school bags, water bottles, thermo flasks, uniform materials and mini dignity kits. Organisers said the intervention was designed to reduce barriers to education, improve attendance and support learning throughout the academic term.

Speaking at the event, the Sokoto State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Prof. Ladan Ahmad Ala, represented by Abdullahi Altine Durbawa, described the initiative as a timely intervention that complemented government efforts to expand access to quality education, especially for vulnerable children and girls.

Also speaking, Dr Charles Usie, who represented the Country Director of Plan International Nigeria, said the organisation remained committed to ensuring that no child was left behind in education.

On his part, the Head of Safety, Security and Government Protocol at IHS Nigeria, Mr Idowu Ibietan, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to investing in education and community development across Nigeria.

The District Head of Silame and the Principal of JSS Kubodu, Nuradeen Kabiru, commended Plan International, IHS Nigeria and the state government for the gesture, noting that it would ease the financial burden on parents and encourage more children to stay in school.

Some of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the donors, saying the materials would motivate them to attend school regularly and improve their academic performance.

A source at the event said the schools were selected through a vulnerability assessment process to ensure the EduKits got to children most in need.

The Sokoto distribution is part of a nationwide programme by Plan International Nigeria and IHS Nigeria through which 200 vulnerable pupils are expected to benefit in Benue and Sokoto states as part of activities to commemorate the International Day of the African Child.