Sokoto Principals ‘Hit Jackpot’ As Governor Aliyu Approves N200,000 Monthly Allowance

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

In a groundbreaking move, Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto has approved a monthly maintenance allowance of ₦200,000 for principals of all secondary schools in the state.

The announcement was made on Monday during the Sokoto State 2025 Citizens Budget Discussion held at the Sultan Abubakar Maccido Institute of Quranic and General Studies.

The initiative, which will take effect in January 2025, aims to empower school principals to address immediate maintenance needs, ranging from infrastructure repairs to minor fixes, without the delays typically associated with government approval processes.

Former Deputy Governor Chiso Abdullahi, who proposed the idea, highlighted the necessity of providing principals with funds to manage issues like broken furniture, damaged facilities, and other school-related repairs.

“The principals can now mobilize carpenters, masons, and other workers to address pressing issues as they arise, ensuring a conducive learning environment,” Abdullahi remarked.

Abubakar Bawa, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, confirmed the directive during the event, emphasizing that all secondary schools across Sokoto’s 23 local government areas will benefit from the allowance.

“This is a decisive step by Governor Aliyu to ensure schools have the resources they need to function efficiently. The payments will commence in January 2025 and will enhance the quality of education across the state,” Bawa stated.

In a related development, the governor has ordered an urgent review of the allowances for traditional rulers in Sokoto. This decision follows an appeal by the District Head of Kilgori, Muhammad Jabbi Kilgori, representing the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar. Kilgori urged the government to adjust allowances to reflect the current economic realities.

The dual initiatives reflect Governor Aliyu’s commitment to addressing pressing issues in both the education and traditional sectors of the state.