Number of out-of-school children in Sokoto ‘drops by half’

Muhammad Muhuiddin, a UNICEF officer, says the number of out-of-school children in Sokoto has dropped to 37 percent.

It was 69 percent in 2015 — the highest in the country.

Muhuiddin, who is the outgoing chief of field officer for Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi states, spoke on Tuesday at a reception organised in his honour by the Sokoto state government.

He said the multiple indicator cluster survey (MICS) for 2016 to 2017 showed that Sokoto has made appreciable progress, resulting in over 50 percent cut in the number.

“It gladdens my heart seeing the commitment shown by the political leadership and the technical teams set up by the government to work with UNICEF and partners in various sectors for the children of Sokoto,” he said.

“We have achieved significant changes in results, and I have to say, these changes are positive, and unique in Nigeria.

“It is always satisfying when you implement projects and see the results and the impact these results have made.

“Of special joy for me is the number of girls in schools at the moment. The other day, we inspected some projects in schools in Binji and in a class of 48 pupils, we saw 36 girls as against 12 boys. It was a good measure of the progress made and I urge you to sustain it.”

Muhuiddin, however, urged the government to do more especially in the area of routine immunisation.

He expressed hope that the plans put together in the area would yield desired results in no distant time.

Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, governor of the state, commended Muhuiddin for his “commitment, passion and dexterity” while serving in the state.

He said: “To us, you are a friend and reliable partner who took his job of saving humanity with all the seriousness it deserves. The people and government of Sokoto state wish you success in your future assignment in Calcutta, India.”