By Bello Shehu Tamaje
It is indisputable that Governor Ahmed Aliyu has shown a strong commitment to reversing the downward trend in Sokoto State’s education system.
Education was one of the sectors in significant disarray when he took office, following the previous administration’s tenure.
In addition to the structural damage to many educational institutions, there was a lack of concrete, workable policies, a peaceful environment conducive to teaching and learning, and an absence of basic infrastructure and instructional materials.
The dire state of the education sector led to a low in morale among parents, teachers, and students. During this period, an increasing burden was placed on parents, who were required to cover school expenses that had traditionally been the government’s responsibility. These expenses were part of policies intended to bridge the education gap between the northern and southern states.
Northern states had long operated free education due to the significant disparity between them and other regions of Nigeria. However, issues such as bursaries, examination fees, registration fees, and feeding became contentious. Concerns were raised when the government began to renege on its responsibilities, forcing parents to bear a much larger financial burden due to policy constraints.
Rather than encouraging parents, the situation left many disillusioned, deepening the mistrust some felt towards the idea of western education for their children.
Recognizing the negative impact on parents’ attitudes toward education and the overall development of the state, the present administration took immediate steps to reverse this trend. The government prioritized education and introduced measures aimed at incentivizing parents and encouraging student enrollment.
By allocating 25% of its budget to education, the government demonstrated a clear commitment to providing the sector with the attention it deserves, ensuring both growth and development. The prioritization of education has led to increased opportunities, resulting in higher school enrollment and retention rates.
The AGILE program, supported by the World Bank and the federal government, provides cash incentives to adolescent girls to help with their education. This has alleviated some of the financial burdens on parents. In addition, cash incentives for schools have helped make them more attractive to both students and teachers.
Another significant step taken by the government is capitalizing on its quota in tertiary institutions. By ensuring that enough students graduate with good grades, the government provides free Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms to help them gain admission into universities and meet the state’s quotas. These forms, distributed at no cost to students by the Ministry of Higher Education, have motivated many to strive for better grades, knowing it would make them eligible for university admission.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration has also focused on rehabilitating and upgrading schools, especially in rural areas, to create a more conducive learning environment. Additionally, the administration has prioritized supplying modern teaching materials and equipment for both students and teachers.
The governor has launched several initiatives aimed at increasing the enrollment of out-of-school children, including scholarships and other incentives to encourage families to send their children to school.
Teacher training programs have been prioritized to improve the quality of education in the state. The state’s education budget has been bolstered to ensure the long-term sustainability of these reforms.
The distribution of free JAMB forms has led to a noticeable increase in the number of Sokoto students enrolled in universities across the country. This year alone, the government has procured 10,000 forms, which are being distributed to eligible students across all 23 local government areas of the state.
Undoubtedly, these initiatives have strengthened the governor’s bond with the people, as he continues to demonstrate his clear commitment to transforming Sokoto State into a hub of education and economic growth.
Free JAMB Forms for Sokoto Indigenes: Government’s Effort to Promote Education
The Sokoto State Government has announced plans to distribute free Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms to qualified indigenes of the state for the 2025/2026 session. The forms will include both Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE).
According to the Commissioner of Higher Education, Professor Isah Mohammed Maishanu, the state government has procured 10,000 JAMB forms at a total cost of ₦87 million. The distribution of the forms will be conducted at the 23 local government secretariats across the state.
He further stated that in order to benefit from this gesture, prospective candidates must meet certain eligibility criteria. Only candidates with a profile code, National Identification Number (NIN), and at least five credits, including Math and English, will be eligible to receive the free JAMB forms.
The distribution exercise is scheduled to commence tomorrow, February 7, 2025, and will be completed on February 26, 2025. A mop-up exercise has also been scheduled to take place from March 3 to March 5, 2025, to ensure that no qualified candidate is left behind.
To ensure a smooth distribution process, Professor Maishanu revealed that committees have been set up by the ministry to work with local government officials and other stakeholders. The entire exercise will be supervised by a main committee headed by him.
He assured that adequate arrangements have been made to prevent diversion or any act of sabotage, ensuring that the forms reach the intended beneficiaries. In preparation for the main examination, the Commissioner announced that a mock examination will be conducted to ensure that candidates are conversant with the computer-based testing system and other relevant aspects of the examination.
The gesture is part of the state government’s efforts to promote education and empower youths in the state. By providing free JAMB forms, the government aims to reduce the financial burden on parents and guardians, thereby increasing the chances of more students accessing tertiary education.
With this initiative, the Sokoto State Government is demonstrating its commitment to the educational development of its citizens, particularly the youths, and its determination to improve the standard of education in the state.
