In a bid to combat the growing challenge of out-of-school children in Sokoto State, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has stepped up its efforts in collaboration with community leaders and School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs). This renewed commitment was showcased during a visit to SKS Model Primary School in Yabo, a historic institution established in 1922.

During the visit, UNICEF’s newly appointed Country Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Wafa Said, praised the school’s administration and the SBMC for their efforts to boost school enrollment and learning outcomes. However, she voiced deep concern over the high number of children still out of school, highlighting the urgent need for stronger community engagement and systemic support.

Community and religious leaders also shed light on the root causes of the issue. Poverty, according to them, remains a significant barrier, with many families unable to afford basic schooling costs. Others pointed to a lack of awareness among parents about the value of formal education. Mallam Abubakar, speaking on behalf of the district head, stressed that many parents do not see the long-term benefits of education due to immediate economic pressures.

Mai Kasuwa Dan Shehu, chairman of the SBMC, noted that while efforts have successfully brought many children back into classrooms, keeping them in school—especially beyond primary level—remains difficult without financial support.

Religious institutions are also playing a role in advocacy. A local cleric, Alhaji Muhammadu, shared how mosques are being used to preach the importance of education during Friday sermons, a strategy that is reportedly yielding results.

Headmaster Yusuf Sharu highlighted the positive impact of UNICEF’s “Teaching at the Right Level” programme, which has greatly improved literacy rates among students. He added that the school now enrolls over 2,000 pupils, with girls making up nearly half of the population. UNICEF also supported the school by providing a borehole, enhancing access to clean water, menstrual hygiene, and even boosting agricultural projects.

UNICEF’s Sokoto field chief, Michael Juma, reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to teacher training and encouraged SBMCs to adopt climate-smart practices like tree planting and erosion control.

Reflecting on the school’s legacy, community leaders proudly noted that SKS Model Primary School has produced more than 30 professors and numerous national leaders. For Ms. Wafa Said, this is clear evidence of how education can transform not just individual lives, but entire communities and even nations.