Sokoto, Nigeria – May 20, 2025 — UNICEF and the Sokoto State Government have commissioned a state-of-the-art Digital Village to provide digital and vocational training for Almajiri children and out-of-school adolescent girls. The initiative is in a move to bridge the digital divide and uplift vulnerable youth.
ASHENEWS reports that the Digital Village, which targets 250 participants as first cohorts —150 Almajiri children and 100 out-of-school adolescent girls – is designed to offer structured learning in digital literacy, vocational skills, foundational literacy, numeracy, and life skills—delivered in local languages to ensure accessibility. This is to equip them with practical skills, boost economic independence, and foster social inclusion.
In a show of commitment at the launch of the initiative, which was held at the Sultan Maccido Institute, Governor Ahmed Aliyu announced the approval of ₦500 million counterpart funding
The Digital Village is funded by the ELEVA Foundation, while the warehouse for the nutrition items is funded by the US Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance.
Aliyu said
“This dministration is fully committed to giving healthcare and nutrition the attention they truly deserve. We recognize that a healthy population is the bedrock of sustainable development, and we are determined to build a future where every citizen, regardless of status or location, has access to quality nutrition and healthcare services,” Aliyu said.
“We remain open and ever ready to collaborate with UNICEF and all other development partners to advance the welfare of our people. We believe that through strong partnerships, shared responsibility, and mutual respect, we can achieve lasting progress in our quest for a healthier Sokoto.”
At the inauguration of the warehouse for the food and nutrition items, Governor Aliyu said:
This warehouse, the food and nutrition programme are of immense significance to our people. They will not only reduce malnutrition and hunger but also enhance child survival, improve maternal health, and boost productivity across our state.
I wish to restate our government’s unwavering commitment to fully implementing the food and nutrition policy. We will provide the needed political will, resources, and institutional support to ensure its success.
In their separate statements, the UNICEF Nigeria team said:
“Nigeria has about 13.2 million out-of-school children — 69% are from Northern Nigeria, and 60% of them are girls. There are an estimated 9.5 million Almajiri across the country, with the highest concentration in the north. These numbers are alarming and require urgent, coordinated action,” adding that “among these are 9.5 million Almajiri children, many are living without parental care, education, or protection. These children are not just statistics—they are potential doctors, teachers, and leaders whose futures are slipping away without decisive intervention.”
On the Sokoto-UNICEF Partnership
“We commend the Sokoto State Government, His Excellency the Governor, and the Almajiri Committee for their leadership and commitment to transformative reforms. UNICEF remains a proud partner in your efforts to improve the lives of Almajiri children and out-of-school adolescent girls through inclusive education and protection initiatives.”
On the importance of data and system reform, UNICEF said:
“Data from the 2022 verification exercise — including over 250,000 children documented in Sokoto alone — shows the scale of the challenge. Strengthening case management and digital data systems is essential to ensure these children are not just counted, but cared for.”
On the launch of the Digital and Skilling Village
“The Digital and Skilling Village is a game-changing investment. It aims to equip vulnerable children and youth with digital literacy, life skills, and entrepreneurial training — giving them a chance to thrive in today’s world and break the cycle of poverty.”
“The launch of the Digital and Skilling Village for Almajiri and out-of-school adolescent girls in Sokoto is a bold, state-led innovation aimed at transforming lives. By providing access to digital literacy, life skills, and entrepreneurship training, this centre offers a lifeline to children who have long been left behind. It is a proactive investment in empowerment, resilience, and dignity for young people who deserve every opportunity to succeed,” UNICEF enthused.
Towards sustainability, UNICEF called on the state government to expand the initiative by including technical and vocational training, as well as to adopt a co-funding model.
“UNICEF urges the Sokoto State Government to expand this initiative to include technical and vocational training, adopt a co-funding model for sustainability, and fully equip these centres. Together, we can turn policy into action and create real opportunities for children left behind.”
The Fund emphasised that the initiative reflects its commitment to bridging the digital divide for the most vulnerable and underserved children, observing that by equipping Almajiri children and out-of-school adolescent girls with digital skills, UNICEF will be building their capacity to thrive in a tech-driven world.
UNICEF implored the Sokoto state government to make its equity contribution of N500 million to the Fund.
“UNICEF is committed to walking this journey with Sokoto State. We are proposing a co-funding approach, including a development matching grant—a dollar for every dollar invested—to amplify impact. Specifically, we call on the Sokoto State Government to make a ₦500 million equity contribution towards this bold initiative. This investment will ensure that these centres are fully equipped, expanded to include technical and vocational education, and scaled across the state. Together, we can build a model of care, protection, and opportunity that leaves no child behind.”
Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by the District Head of Gagi, Umar Jabbi, pledged the full support of traditional and religious leaders for the success
UNICEF continues to partner with the Sokoto State Government to strengthen child protection systems and promote inclusive education. Through the Digital Village initiative, both parties are working to ensure that all children, regardless of background, have the tools and support needed to reach their full potential.
