SOKOTO STATE INAUGURATES EDUCATION IN EMERGENCIES WORKING GROUP TO STRENGTHEN EDUCATIONAL RESPONSE DURING CRISES
By Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Sokoto State, Professor Ahmad Ladan Ala, has officially inaugurated the Education in Emergencies (EiE) Working Group to enhance the state’s capacity to provide uninterrupted education during emergencies and crisis situations.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held in Sultan muhammadu Maccido institute of Qur’an and general studies Sokoto on Thursday, June 4, 2026, Professor Ala urged members of the Working Group to remain committed and proactive in addressing the educational challenges arising from the prevailing security situation affecting many parts of Nigeria, particularly the northern region.
The Commissioner emphasized the importance of ensuring that children continue to have access to quality education, even in times of conflict, displacement, natural disasters, and other emergencies.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Sanusi Aliyu Binji, delivered the welcome remarks and expressed appreciation to stakeholders and development partners for their commitment to strengthening the education sector.
During the meeting, UNICEF Education Specialist, Francis Elasha, make a presentation on the purpose and objectives of the Education in Emergencies Working Group, highlighting its role in coordinating efforts to safeguard learning opportunities for vulnerable children during emergencies.
Also, the Director of Donor Agencies, Lawali Haliru Mu’azu, presented the Terms of Reference for the Working Group, outlining its responsibilities, operational framework, and expected outcomes.
At the end of the meeting, Professor Ahmad Ladan Ala formally inaugurated the members of the Education in Emergencies Working Group and announced the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Sanusi Aliyu Binji, as Chairman of the committee.
In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Binji thanked the Honourable Commissioner for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to provide effective leadership while ensuring inclusiveness and teamwork among members of the Working Group.
The Executive Secretary of the Female Education Board, Shehu Aliyu, delivered the closing remarks and commended participants for their contributions towards strengthening emergency education response mechanisms in the state.
The inauguration of the Working Group marks another significant step by the Sokoto State Government towards ensuring that learning continues for all children, regardless of the challenges posed by emergencies and security-related disruptions.
