As part of activities marking the International Day of the African Child, Plan International Nigeria, in partnership with IHS Towers and the Sokoto State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, has provided educational materials to 100 vulnerable pupils in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The intervention saw 50 pupils at Junior Secondary School Kubodu and another 50 at Junior Secondary School Marafa Nizzamiya receive Premium EduKits designed to support learning and improve school participation.
Each EduKit contains exercise books, writing materials, school bags, water bottles, thermo flasks, materials for school uniforms and mini dignity kits. The initiative is intended to reduce barriers to education, encourage regular school attendance and improve learning outcomes among disadvantaged children.
Speaking during the distribution, the Sokoto State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Professor Ladan Ahmad Ala, represented by Abdullahi Altine Durbawa, described the programme as a welcome intervention that aligns with the state government’s commitment to expanding access to quality education, particularly for vulnerable children and girls.
Representing the Country Director of Plan International Nigeria and the donor partner, IHS Towers, Dr. Charles Usie and the company’s Head of Safety, Security and Government Protocol, Mr. Idowu Ibietan, reiterated their organisations’ dedication to supporting children’s education through the provision of essential learning materials.
They noted that improving access to educational resources would help boost school enrolment, enhance retention and create better learning opportunities for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Also speaking, the District Head of Silame and the Principal of Junior Secondary School Kubodu, Nuradeen Kabiru, commended Plan International Nigeria, IHS Towers and the Sokoto State Government for the intervention.
They said the support would lessen the financial burden on many struggling families while encouraging more children to remain in school and pursue their education.
Some of the beneficiaries expressed excitement after receiving the EduKits, saying the materials would motivate them to attend classes more consistently and improve their academic performance.
They also thanked the organisers for investing in their future and pledged to make good use of the learning materials.
A source familiar with the programme explained that the beneficiary schools and pupils were selected through a collaborative process based on established vulnerability criteria to ensure the educational materials reached children most in need.
The EduKit distribution is part of a nationwide initiative by Plan International Nigeria and IHS Towers to commemorate the International Day of the African Child. Under the programme, a total of 200 vulnerable pupils in Sokoto and Benue states are expected to benefit from the educational support.
