“THE BOY ON THE STREET” – SOKOTO STATE’S BOLD EDUCATION INITIATIVE 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 in partnership with the state government. There exists a very large population of such children roaming the streets in a manner that threatens their future and overall well-being. Over 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 achieving sustainable 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 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 appeal 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 devoid of economic or social value. The Boy on the Street initiative represents a holistic vision that combines knowledge acquisition, moral reorientation, and the assurance of a secure future. It stands as a cardinal objective within Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s 9-Point Smart Agenda. Upon assuming office, the Governor left no doubt about his priorities by placing education at the forefront of his first budget, with allocations aligned with international benchmarks. 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 Islamiyya-based—have been identified and duly approved. Under the terms of the memorandum of understanding, expected to be signed soon, the organization will initially manage 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 the 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 its educational outcomes, the initiative aligns strongly with Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s 9-Point Smart Agenda, particularly its emphasis on human capital development, inclusive education, and social reorientation. #SokotoInProgressUnderAmadu

“THE BOY ON THE STREET” – SOKOTO STATE’S BOLD EDUCATION INITIATIVE 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 in partnership with the state government. There exists a very large population of such children roaming the streets in a manner that threatens their future and overall well-being. Over 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 achieving sustainable 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 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 appeal 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 devoid of economic or social value. The Boy on the Street initiative represents a holistic vision that combines knowledge acquisition, moral reorientation, and the assurance of a secure future. It stands as a cardinal objective within Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s 9-Point Smart Agenda. Upon assuming office, the Governor left no doubt about his priorities by placing education at the forefront of his first budget, with allocations aligned with international benchmarks. 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 Islamiyya-based—have been identified and duly approved. Under the terms of the memorandum of understanding, expected to be signed soon, the organization will initially manage 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 the 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 its educational outcomes, the initiative aligns strongly with Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s 9-Point Smart Agenda, particularly its emphasis on human capital development, inclusive education, and social reorientation. #SokotoInProgressUnderAmadu