Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
Sokoto State Government has unveiled a strategic education initiative aimed at empowering women who were unable to complete their formal schooling, with plans underway to establish special “Second Chance Schools” across the state.
The initiative, championed by the Executive Chairman of the Sokoto State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Umar Nagwari Tambuwal, is designed to provide married and out-of-school women with access to basic education alongside vocational and life skills training.
Education stakeholders say the program aligns with broader national efforts to expand access to inclusive education and reduce the growing number of women who missed out on formal learning due to early marriage, economic hardship or other social factors.
Officials explained that the planned centres will offer both modern and traditional vocational skills in addition to formal learning, with the goal of equipping women with knowledge and income generating abilities capable of reducing poverty and social vulnerability in communities.
As part of preparations for the rollout, the SUBEB chairman constituted a four-member special committee to develop a workable implementation framework for the program.
The committee is chaired by Permanent Member IV of the Board, Hajiya Jamila Abdulkadir Dan’uti, and was formally inaugurated during the Board’s meeting held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
To strengthen the initiative through practical learning and collaboration, the committee commenced its assignment with a study tour to Kebbi State to understudy existing Second Chance School models already operating in the state.
During the visit, the Sokoto delegation was received by the Executive Secretary of Kebbi SUBEB, Alhaji Hassan Umar, alongside senior directors of the board who provided insights into the operational structure and management of the program.
The team was subsequently linked with the Director of Planning, Malam Nuhu Haruna, who conducted them on an inspection tour of Second Chance School facilities located in Kalgo Local Government Area.
Another centre visited by the delegation was situated within Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi, where the team examined the operational strategies adopted in delivering flexible learning opportunities for women.
Officials said the visit was aimed at studying the operational framework of the centres with a view to replicating and adapting best practices when similar schools are established in Sokoto State.
According to education authorities, the Second Chance School initiative forms part of collaborative efforts between SUBEB and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to promote inclusive education and strengthen girls’ learning opportunities nationwide.
During the visit to Government Day Secondary School, Kalgo, the committee was received by the LGEA Education Secretary, Malam Abdullahi Umaru, and the centre’s head, who provided detailed briefings on the structure, administration and learning activities of the school.
At the centre located within Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, the delegation was guided by Senior Assistant Registrar, Malama Aisha Bello, who explained the operations of the program and the support systems available for enrolled women.
Members of the committee include the Special Adviser to the SUBEB Chairman, Malam Ahmad Umar Gidadawa Sokoto, and the Public Relations Officer of SUBEB Sokoto, Murtala Muhammad Danladi.
