The number of out of school children in Sokoto, which was the highest in
the country, has dropped from 69 percent in 2015 to 37 percent this year,
outgoing UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office for Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi
states, Muhammad Muhuiddin, has revealed.
He said the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) for 2016-2017 showed
that Sokoto has made appreciable progress, resulting in over 50 percent cut
in the number.
Muhuiddin spoke at a reception organised in his honour by the Sokoto state
government after the completion of his tour of duty.
“It gladdens my heart seeing the commitment shown by the political
leadership and the technical teams set up by the government to work with
UNICEF and partners in various sectors for the children of Sokoto.
“We have achieved significant changes in results, and I have to say, these
changes are positive, and unique in Nigeria. It is always satisfying when
you implement projects and see the results and the impact these results
have made.
“Of special joy for me is the number of girls in schools at the moment. The
other day, we inspected some projects in schools in Binji and in a class of
48 pupils, we saw 36 girls as against 12 boys. It was a good measure of the
progress made and i urge you to sustain it,” he said.
Muhuiddin however urged the government to do more especially in the area of
routine immunisation, expressing hope and optimism that the plans put
together will have positive impact in the next two to four years.
Sokoto state Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal commended Muhuiddin for the
commitment, passion and dexterity he showed while in Sokoto, adding that
the people of the state would miss a dear friend.
“We will miss you. To us, you are a friend and reliable partner who took
his job of saving humanity with all the seriousness it deserves. The people
and government of Sokoto state wish you success in your future assignment
in Calcutta, India,” he added.