Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto has approved a monthly maintenance allowance of N200,000 for each school principal. This announcement was made during the Sokoto State 2025 Citizens Budget Discussion, which took place on Monday at the Sultan Abubakar Maccido Institute of Quranic and General Studies.
The governor’s decision comes as a response to appeals made by various stakeholders in the education sector. Notably, former Deputy Governor Chiso Abdullahi urged the state administration to allocate funds specifically for school principals. Abdullahi highlighted the pressing need for financial resources to address immediate maintenance issues within the schools, stating that such funds would enable principals to quickly repair minor damages to infrastructure without navigating the often lengthy government approval processes.
“The timely provision of these funds will empower our school principals to take immediate action when issues arise,” Abdullahi remarked. “It is crucial for maintaining a conducive learning environment that allows our educators and students to thrive.”
In support of this initiative, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Abubakar Bawa, confirmed that the monthly allowance would extend to all secondary schools within the state’s 23 local government areas. The scheme is set to commence in January 2025. “Let me assure this esteemed gathering that the governor has taken into consideration the plea from the former deputy governor,” Bawa stated. “Each school principal will receive N200,000 monthly, allowing for swift responses to maintenance needs and ensuring that our educational facilities remain in good condition.”
The introduction of this maintenance allowance speaks volumes about the government’s commitment to improving education in Sokoto State. It aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance the overall quality of education by addressing not only the academic needs but also the infrastructure that supports learning. By enabling principals to swiftly respond to repair requests, the initiative is expected to foster a more efficient and effective management of school facilities.
Furthermore, Governor Sokoto’s administration is taking steps to review the allowances of traditional rulers within the state. In light of the current economic climate, the governor has tasked the state Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Dadi Adare, with evaluating and adjusting the financial provisions for these community leaders. This directive follows a request made by Muhammad Jabbi Kilgori, the district head of Kilgori, who represented the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, during the budget discussion. The request was for improved allowances that reflect the existing economic realities faced by traditional leaders.
This dual initiative not only underscores the governor’s responsiveness to the pressing needs of both educational and traditional institutions within Sokoto State but also marks a concerted effort to adapt to the economic challenges impacting the populace. By providing meaningful financial support for school maintenance and reevaluating the compensation of community leaders, the Sokoto administration aims to foster a stronger foundation for governance and social development.
As the state prepares for the implementation of these measures in the coming year, stakeholders, educators, and community leaders alike await the positive impact this policy will have on the educational landscape of Sokoto.
The commitment to enhancing school infrastructure and supporting community leadership reflects a holistic approach to governance, paving the way for a brighter future for the residents of Sokoto State. The anticipation is that these initiatives will invigorate the state’s education sector and improve the standard of living for its citizens.
