As part of efforts to ensure the delivery of quality education in a conducive environment, Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu has approved a monthly allocation of 200,000 naira for maintenance fees to principals of all secondary schools in the state.
The announcement was made on Monday during the Sokoto State 2025 Citizens Budget Discussion, held at the Sultan Abubakar Maccido Institute of Quranic and General Studies. Earlier, former Deputy Governor Chiso Abdullahi had urged the governor to allocate funds for secondary school principals to address immediate maintenance needs.
Abdullahi noted that the funds would enable principals to address minor repairs, such as infrastructure issues, without delays in obtaining government approval. He suggested that the allocation could allow schools to hire local artisans like carpenters and bricklayers to carry out necessary repairs promptly.
Responding on behalf of the governor, the Chief Press Secretary, Abubakar Bawa, confirmed that the governor has approved the allocation, with payments set to begin in January 2025. The funds will be disbursed to all secondary schools across the 23 local government areas of the state.
Other Plans Of The Governor
Additionally, Governor Aliyu has directed the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Dadi Adare, to review and adjust the allowances of traditional rulers in line with current economic realities. This directive follows a request made by the District Head of Kilgori, Muhammad Jabbi Kilgori, representing the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Saad Abubakar, during the discussion.
The governor also announced that education and health would receive 25% and 15% of the state’s total 2025 budget, respectively. He commended the collaboration with USAID’s State2State program, which has supported good governance in the state.
In his remarks, Dr. Aminu Lada, the State Team Lead for USAID’s State2State program, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to partnering with the government to develop key sectors, including education, health, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene). He appealed for budgetary allocations of 15%, 25%, and 5% for the health, education, and WASH sectors, respectively.
In response, the governor approved the proposed allocations for health and education and directed the Ministry of Budget to ensure compliance. The governor also noted that USAID State2State will collaborate with the Ministry of Budget and the Sokoto State House of Assembly to ensure the commitment is implemented.
