The Sokoto State Government has inaugurated a digital skills training centre aimed at empowering Almajiri children and out-of-school adolescent girls across the state.
The initiative, implemented in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and supported by the ELEVA Foundation, was officially launched on Tuesday.
Speaking at the inauguration, Governor Ahmad Aliyu described the effort as a strategic step towards addressing educational disparities and promoting digital inclusion among vulnerable groups.
He explained that the initiative, tagged “Digital Village”, was designed to equip underserved youths with essential digital competencies and prepare them for opportunities in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
Governor Aliyu expressed appreciation to UNICEF and the ELEVA Foundation for their continued support, particularly in the areas of education and nutrition. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive development and the empowerment of marginalised groups.
Also speaking at the event, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by the District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Sani Jabi, commended the state government for its visionary leadership and development-focused agenda. He reiterated the traditional institution’s full support for the governor’s Smart Agenda—a comprehensive nine-point development strategy.
UNICEF Nigeria Representative, Ms Cristian Munduate, described the Digital Village as a structured learning hub offering training three times weekly. Represented by Mr Michael Juma, UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Sokoto, she said the centre is intended to enhance access to quality learning by integrating technological literacy with youth innovation.
She noted that the first cohort will target 250 children, with the curriculum incorporating local languages, foundational literacy, numeracy, vocational and livelihood skills. The centre, she added, will serve as a safe space for mentorship, life skills development, and the promotion of social inclusion and economic independence.
“This is a pivotal move towards equipping vulnerable youth with essential digital and vocational skills,” she said.
Stakeholders and community leaders present at the event pledged their support for the success and sustainability of the training centre.
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