The Sokoto State Government on Wednesday began screening candidates for the 250 Community Midwifery Scholarship and Bonding Scheme, aimed at improving maternal health in the state.
The scheme is being implemented by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) through the European Union-funded Strengthening Access to Reproductive and Adolescent Health (SARAH) Programme.
Ibrahim Dingyadi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, said the initiative seeks to enroll 250 young women and girls from rural and underserved Local Government Areas into community midwifery pre-service training for the 2026 academic cycle.
Dingyadi explained that the screening criteria require candidates to have four O’Level credits in English, Biology, and any two other subjects. Candidates must be young women or adolescent girls aspiring to become midwives, and residents or indigenes of the communities they will serve after graduation.
He also announced that a Desk Officer has been appointed to oversee the process to ensure the program’s success.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Rabiatu Sageer, UNFPA State Team Lead, stated that the screening aligns with the admission requirements of community midwifery schools.
She added that the bonding component aims to address maternal and newborn health challenges in rural communities.
Sageer noted that the SARAH Programme is part of broader efforts by the Sokoto State Government and development partners to improve access to skilled birth attendants and strengthen reproductive health services across the state.
She stated: “The initiative aims to train 500 indigenous health workers who will be legally bound to serve their communities after graduation.
For this year’s cycle, the scheme will support the enrollment of 250 young women and girls from rural and underserved LGAs in Sokoto into community midwifery pre-service training at the two community midwifery schools in the state.”
