The Sokoto State Government on Tuesday inaugurated a digital skills training centre aimed at empowering Almajiri children and out-of-school adolescent girls with essential skills for the modern world.
The initiative, implemented in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and supported by the ELEVA Foundation, is part of a broader effort to bridge educational gaps and promote digital inclusion.
Speaking at the inauguration, Governor Ahmad Aliyu described the initiative—tagged the “Digital Village”—as a strategic intervention to equip underserved youth with relevant digital competencies, preparing them for opportunities in an increasingly technology-driven global landscape.
He expressed appreciation to UNICEF and the ELEVA Foundation for their continued support in advancing education and nutrition within the state, and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive development and the upliftment of vulnerable populations.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by the District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Sani Jabi, commended the governor’s visionary leadership and reaffirmed the traditional institution’s full support for his “Smart Agenda,” a comprehensive nine-point development plan.
UNICEF Nigeria Representative, Ms. Cristian Munduate—represented by Michael Juma, UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Sokoto—described the Digital Village as a structured learning hub offering thrice-weekly training sessions.
“By equipping these underserved children with digital skills, we are building their capacity to thrive in a tech-driven world,” she stated.
According to her, the centre will initially serve 250 children, with a curriculum that integrates foundational literacy, numeracy, vocational training, livelihood development, and local language instruction. The centre will also function as a safe space for mentorship, life skills development, and youth innovation.
Munduate emphasized that the initiative is a vital step toward enhancing economic self-reliance and social inclusion for vulnerable youth.
Stakeholders and community leaders present at the event pledged their support for the long-term success and sustainability of the centre.
