Sokoto Moves to Digitalise Basic, Secondary Education

The Sokoto State Government has taken a major step towards modernising its education sector with the launch of a comprehensive plan to digitalise basic and secondary schools across the state.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration, in collaboration with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, is spearheading the initiative which aims to integrate digital tools, skills training, and modern learning facilities into classrooms.

The programme is also expected to reduce the state’s high number of out-of-school children while preparing students for opportunities in a technology-driven economy.
As part of the plan, the government is setting up digital villages and skills centres to provide training in literacy, vocational skills, and entrepreneurship. One of the flagship centres, located at the Sultan Maccido Institute, will cater especially to Almajiri children and adolescent girls who are often excluded from formal education. The move is designed to give vulnerable groups access to quality learning while helping them acquire skills that can translate into livelihoods.

Officials explained that the reforms go beyond providing computers and internet access. They include curriculum review to align teaching with digital literacy, large-scale teacher retraining, and the creation of learning hubs across underserved local government areas.

The Director of Management Information Systems at Usmanu Danfodiyo University noted that Sokoto’s priority is to build a “digitally enabled education system” that equips learners with the knowledge and skills needed to compete globally.

To fund the ambitious project, the Sokoto State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has entered into a joint investment plan with the Federal Government valued at about N7 billion.

The funding will cover the training of 8,000 teachers this year, improvement of school infrastructure, and provision of digital equipment.

Authorities say the investment will also help sustain the reforms by ensuring that schools in rural areas are not left behind.
The initiative comes at a crucial time, as Sokoto continues to record one of the highest rates of out-of-school children in Nigeria. Government verification exercises have revealed alarming dropout rates, especially among girls. Officials say the digitalisation drive will be linked to enrollment campaigns and community outreach to ensure more children not only attend school but remain until completion.
Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Alhaji Tukur Alkali, stressed that the programme is aimed at transforming both teaching and learning. “Digitalisation is not just about introducing gadgets into classrooms; it is about improving the quality of education, enhancing access, and making sure our children are well-prepared for the future,” he said.
Education stakeholders and development partners, including UNICEF and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), have welcomed the project, describing it as a bold attempt to reposition the education sector.

They, however, advised that proper monitoring and sustainability measures should be put in place to ensure resources reach schools in rural communities and that trained teachers remain committed to the reforms.

If successfully executed, Sokoto’s digital education initiative is expected to serve as a model for other northern states grappling with high illiteracy rates, inadequate infrastructure, and weak access to modern learning opportunities.