The Sokoto State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has verified and registered approximately 249,523 vulnerable children, including out-of-school adolescent girls, within the state. A breakdown of the figure reveals that 113,208 are Almajiri children, while 136,315 are adolescent girls.
This development comes as UNICEF disclosed that out-of-school adolescent girls are present in 30 out of Nigeria’s 36 states. The revelation was made during a two-day media dialogue and field trip organized to address the situation of Almajiri children and out-of-school adolescent girls in Nigeria.
The event, held in Sokoto for education reporters from the state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was organized by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation in collaboration with UNICEF.
UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Sokoto, and Child Protection Specialist, Godwin Odo, explained that the figures were obtained through a household survey and visits to locations where many Almajiri children reside with their Mallams.
Odo revealed that over 60,000 Almajiri children and out-of-school adolescent girls have been trained by UNICEF at Child Protection Centres across five North-West states: Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Katsina, and Sokoto.
He emphasized that UNICEF is working closely with state governments, civil society organizations, and traditional institutions to protect children from exploitation and harm. This multi-stakeholder approach aims to reduce the vulnerability of children and ensure their safety and well-being.
Odo also highlighted the implementation of child-friendly spaces, which provide safe and supportive environments for education, recreation, and skill development, particularly for out-of-school children and girls.
DAILY MENTOR reports that the initiative underscores the urgent need to address the challenges faced by vulnerable children, particularly Almajiri children and out-of-school girls, who are often exposed to exploitation, abuse, and limited access to education.
The collaboration between Sokoto State and UNICEF reflects a broader commitment to improving the lives of marginalized children and ensuring their inclusion in educational and developmental opportunities.
The media dialogue and field trip aimed to raise awareness about the plight of these children and mobilize stakeholders to take collective action in addressing their needs. By leveraging partnerships and innovative approaches, the initiative seeks to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all children in Nigeria.
The efforts in Sokoto and other North-West states serve as a model for addressing similar challenges across the country, highlighting the importance