Sokoto gov’t okays free school bus service for students

From Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto

The Sokoto State Government has approved free transportation for all students using government operated school buses across the Sokoto metropolis and surrounding communities, effective Monday.
The Commissioner for the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Professor Ahmad Ladan Ala, gave the directive as part of the State Government’s continued commitment to improving access to quality education and reducing the financial burden on parents and guardians.
Announcing the policy, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Sanusi Aliyu Binji, said the initiative was introduced to support families facing economic challenges and to ensure that no child is denied access to education because of transportation costs.
A statement issued by the spokesperson of the Ministry, Alhaji Ibrahim Iya, quoted Dr.Binji as saying that the initiative demonstrated the unwavering commitment of the administration Gov. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, to the development of education in the state.
According to him, it is s in line with the Governor’s 9-Point Innovative Smart Agenda, where education remains the number one priority, Dr. Binji stated.
He called on parents and guardians to ensure that their children and wards arrive at the designated bus pickup points on time each school day, stressing that punctuality is essential in promoting discipline, responsibility, and academic excellence among students.
Binji further disclosed that all government school buses will operate from designated bus stations located across the Sokoto metropolis and its environs.
According to him, the buses will commence daily operations at 7:00 a.m., every Monday to Friday, to convey students to their respective schools and return them safely to the designated stations after the close of school.
The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education reassured parents, students, and the general public of its commitment to implementing the programme effectively and ensuring that every child enjoys safe, reliable, and free transportation to and from school.