Sokoto: Two years ago, Abubakar Mustapha’s life was filled with uncertainty. Like many young people in Shuni, a community in Dange-Shuni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, he struggled to find a stable source of income. However, his fortunes changed when he participated in an empowerment training programme run by UNICEF, with support from the Eleva Foundation. This initiative marked the beginning of an unforgettable transformation in his life.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the programme introduced Mustapha to the art of shoemaking, a craft he had never considered. With patience and dedication, he mastered the skill, turning pieces of leather into finely crafted footwear. What began as a simple learning opportunity soon became a pathway to financial independence. Mustapha’s journey was not just about personal success; he has since trained four other individuals, passing on the skills that changed his life.
Similarly, Faiza Bello grew up in a community where opportunities for girls were scarce. Her life took a new turn when she discovered a child-friendly space centre established by UNICEF in three Local Government Areas of Sokoto State, with support from the Eleva Foundation. At the centre, Bello embraced literacy and vocational training programmes, equipping herself with essential skills for a brighter future. Through mentorship and hands-on training, she gained practical knowledge that enabled her to earn a living.
Beyond vocational skills, Bello also received training on proper nutrition and healthy eating. She was educated on comprehensive sex education and gender-based violence awareness, empowering her to make informed decisions and stand up for her rights. Likewise, UNICEF’s intervention rescued a 15-year-old girl from an early marriage, ensuring she was placed in a safe environment and enrolled in a child-friendly space centre for vocational training.
These experiences reflect the impact of UNICEF’s efforts to support Almajiri children and out-of-school adolescent girls in northwest Nigeria. The Almajiri system, which traditionally involves young boys leaving home to receive Islamic education, often leaves them without access to formal schooling or financial security. Currently, around 10 million children in northern Nigeria are part of the Almajiri system, many lacking basic welfare.
Speaking at a recent media dialogue in Sokoto State, UNICEF Child Protection Specialist Pius Uwamanua emphasised the role of education and skills training in addressing these issues. He explained that child-friendly space centres serve as comprehensive facilities, offering mentorship, life skills training, and vocational programmes. According to Uwamanua, these projects are currently being implemented in five North-West states: Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Sokoto, and Katsina.
UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Sokoto, Michael Juma, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to working with the Sokoto State Government and other partners to expand education access and support marginalised children. Juma noted that household data collection on Almajiri children and out-of-school adolescent girls has been instrumental in shaping education programmes, though identifying affected households remains a challenge.
Mallam Yusuf Ibrahim, Director of Child Development and Protection at the Sokoto State Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, urged the state government to commit to sustaining the skills empowerment centres. He emphasised the need for revolving funding to ensure long-term sustainability. Addressing the shortage of female teachers, Ibrahim also advocated for the recruitment of more female teachers.
The District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Muhammad Jabbi, urged the government to support initiatives that improve the lives of Almajiri children and out-of-school youths. He expressed gratitude to UNICEF and the Eleva Foundation for their efforts, noting that their programmes have been instrumental in bridging the education gap for marginalised children. Analysts say with early marriage and out-of-school adolescents still a prevalent issue, UNICEF’s intervention serves as a beacon of hope.