Sokoto govt expands free school bus programme

The Sokoto State Government has expanded its free school bus programme for public schools across the state.

This initiative, which is part of Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s ongoing commitment to strengthening educational access, aims at improving learning opportunities and alleviating the daily transportation challenges faced by students.

In the latest phase of the programme, according to a statement on Friday signed by Professor Ahmad Ladan Ala, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, two school buses were officially commissioned and presented to students in the Arkilla area to facilitate their daily commute and encourage regular school attendance.

To maximise coverage and impact, the statement said the newly deployed buses will service two major strategic axes. “The first route operates from Bafarawa Flyover through Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, Rugga Waru, Arkilla Federal Low-Cost Housing Estate, and Arkilla State Low-Cost Housing Area. The second route will service students along the Arkilla Roundabout, Kalambaina, Wajake, and Gumbi axis.”

Speaking during the official presentation ceremony, the Commissioner—represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Sanusi Aliyu Binji—described Governor Ahmad Aliyu as a visionary leader whose administration consistently prioritises the education sector through strategic investments and people-orientated policies.

Binji placed special emphasis on the government’s dedication to girl-child education, highlighting the establishment of the Sokoto All Girls Science Academy.

The academy is equipped with modern facilities specifically designed to empower and encourage young girls to pursue high-impact careers in medicine, nursing, engineering, and other professional fields.

“The initiative garnered widespread praise from educational and traditional leaders at the event. Ikililu Muhammad Abubakar, President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Sokoto State Chapter, emphasised that education is the foundation of sustainable development,” the statement further said.

The commissioner urged parents to ensure regular school attendance, noting that today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders.

Similarly, Abubakar Ibrahim, the Zonal Director for Sokoto South, commended Governor Aliyu for introducing the service, noting its significant financial and logistical relief for students and their families. Representing the Ubandoman Arkilla, Abubakar Umar praised the intervention as a major step toward reducing transportation difficulties.

He further called on teachers to remain dedicated to their duties, maintain perfect attendance, and justify the government’s continuous investment in their welfare and prompt salary payments.

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To ensure absolute accountability and security, Binji formally introduced the assigned bus drivers to community leaders, handing over oversight to the community for proper monitoring and support.

“The Ministry reiterates that this school bus service is 100% free of charge for all students. The Sokoto State Government will fully bear all ongoing costs for fuelling, maintenance, and routine servicing to ensure the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the programme.

“Beneficiary students present at the ceremony expressed immense gratitude and excitement, describing the initiative as timely, impactful, and a welcome relief for those who previously had to trek long distances to school every day,” the statement added.