THE BOY ON THE STREET’ – SOKOTO STATE’S BOLD EDUCATION INITIATIVE

THE BOY ON THE STREET’ – SOKOTO STATE’S BOLD EDUCATION INITIATIVE

By Sani Umar

The above phrase was coined by a UK-based non-governmental organization to promote sustainable educational development in Nigeria, aimed at removing vulnerable children, street urchins, and almajirai from the streets and enrolling them in schools. The organization is set to debut in Sokoto State to partner with the government. 

There exists a very large army of such children roaming the streets in a hopeless manner that endangers their future. For some time, agencies such as UNICEF and other development partners have expressed deep concern over the growing number of young children who are out of school or have never been enrolled in any form of formal education. This situation continues to pose serious social challenges, despite Nigeria’s concerted efforts to promote sustainable development and inclusive growth.

Over the years, several interventions have been initiated by successive governments and various organizations, but with limited success. These shortcomings have largely been attributed to cultural inhibitions, weak enforcement mechanisms, and inadequate parental guidance.

‘The Boy on the Street’ initiative is therefore being developed with a deliberate focus on ensuring success, having carefully taken into account the shortcomings and policy gaps that undermined previous efforts. The loopholes that once hindered meaningful outcomes have been identified and addressed in order to avoid the pitfalls of the past.

Accordingly, the blueprint for the programme has been made watertight. It integrates both Islamic and Western education, with each modernized to deliver quality instruction that meets societal needs, equips beneficiaries with relevant skills, and promotes productivity and self-reliance.

The programme’s unique attraction lies in its comprehensive approach, which ensures that all children of school age are enrolled, retained, and properly trained, enabling them to become assets to society rather than liabilities with no economic or social value. 

The ‘Boy on the Street’ initiative is a comprehensive vision that combines the acquisition of knowledge, moral reorientation, and the assurance of a secure future. It stands as a cardinal objective within Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s 9-Point Smart Agenda and, upon assuming leadership of the state, he left no one in doubt about his priorities by placing education at the forefront of his first budget, with an allocation aligned with international benchmarks. 

By embracing this initiative, the government has demonstrated a clear commitment to placing Sokoto on a sustainable trajectory of educational development and growth.” 

The extension of the programme to Sokoto adds the State to a growing list of states, such as Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Edo, where the organization already has a presence and has successfully piloted the initiative. The measurable successes recorded in those states informed and encouraged the Sokoto State Government’s decision to key into the programme. 

Already, discussions have been held based on the blueprint unveiled to the state Arabic Education board, which will partner with the organization in implementing the initiative. Schools to be enlisted into the programme both conventional and Islamiya based, have been identified and duly approved. 

Under the terms of the memorandum of understanding, expected to be signed soon, the organization will initially run the schools under the supervision of the board, which is expected to understudy the management and administrative processes embedded in the system. At the end of agreed period, the board is expected to fully take over the running of the schools, following several years of direct management by the organization. 

Beyond the educational outcomes, the initiative aligns with Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s 9-point smart agenda, particularly its emphasis on human capital development, inclusive education, social reorientation and youth empowerment. 

By targeting vulnerable children and moral instruction with formal learning, the programme reflects the administration broader  vision of building a secured, enlightened and productive society, one which no child is left behind and the ‘boy on the street’ is transformed into a responsible citizen with a stake in Sokoto State’s future.