In commemoration of the International Day of the African Child, Plan International Nigeria, in collaboration with IHS Towers and the Sokoto State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, has distributed Premium EduKits to 100 vulnerable pupils in Silame Local Government Area.
Fifty students received the educational materials at Junior Secondary School Kubodu, while another 50 benefited at Junior Secondary School Marafa Nizzamiya. The kits—containing exercise books, writing materials, school bags, water bottles, thermoflasks, uniform materials and mini dignity kits—are designed to support learning throughout the academic term, improve school participation and encourage regular attendance among vulnerable children.
Speaking at the event, Sokoto State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Professor Ladan Ahmad Ala, represented by Abdullahi Altine Durbawa, commended the partnership, describing the initiative as a timely intervention that complements the state government’s efforts to expand access to quality education, particularly for vulnerable children and girls.
Dr Charles Usie, speaking on behalf of Plan International Nigeria’s Country Director, and Mr Idowu Ibietan, Head of Safety, Security and Government Protocol for IHS Towers, reaffirmed both organisations’ commitment to supporting children’s education through essential learning materials that promote enrolment, retention and improved learning outcomes.
The District Head of Silame and Principal of Junior Secondary School Kubodu, Nuradeen Kabiru, expressed appreciation to Plan International, IHS Towers and the state government for the intervention, noting that the materials would ease the burden on vulnerable families and motivate more children to remain in school.
Beneficiary pupils expressed gratitude to the organisers and pledged to make the most of the investment in their education, stating that the materials would encourage regular attendance and improve academic performance.
A source disclosed that schools were selected through a collaborative process using established vulnerability criteria to ensure the EduKits reached children in genuine need.
The distribution forms part of a nationwide initiative by Plan International Nigeria and IHS Towers, through which 200 vulnerable schoolchildren across Benue and Sokoto States are expected to benefit as part of activities commemorating the International Day of the African Child.