The Sokoto State Government has warned school principals and teachers against seizing Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards issued to female students under the Adolescent Girls’ Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) support programme.
The warning followed reports received by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education that some school officials collected students’ ATM cards and diverted parts of their funds.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Prof Ahmad Ladan Ala, the government described the practice as a breach of trust and exploitation that would not be tolerated.
“The ATM cards belong solely to the students. No school authority or staff member has the right to collect or withhold a student’s card under any circumstance,” the statement read.
Parents and guardians were advised to ensure their daughters retain complete control of their cards. The ministry also warned that any official found tampering with students’ funds would face disciplinary action.
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