The Chairman of the Sangaya Education Board, Sheikh Khalifa Aliyu Ahmed Abdulfatai, has announced the commencement of the second phase of the board’s vocational training programme for almajiri
According to Sheikh Khalifa, the first phase in 2023 successfully graduated 1,000 participants, including 500 trained in tailoring, 300 in parenting education, and 200 in other vocational skills.
The ongoing second phase, running from November 2024 to February 2025, is being implemented in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Abuja, and the Borno State Sangaya Education Board.
Skills being taught include electrical installation, solar technology, carpentry, welding, building construction, and leather/shoe making.
A total of 140 students are enrolled in the programme: 86 in Maiduguri and 54 in Biu.
Sheikh Khalifa disclosed that all trainees will receive starter packs based on the specific skills they acquired, along with a ₦50,000 empowerment grant and a certificate of completion.
He attributed the initiative to the unwavering support of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Borno State, and praised UBEC Executive Secretary Dr. Hamid Bobboyi for his commitment to the success of the programme. He also commended the State Commissioner of Education and the management of the vocational training institutes in Maiduguri and Biu for their contributions.
Sheikh Khalifa emphasized that those trained are expected to be responsible citizens and good homemakers. He stressed that memorizing the Qur’an does not make one a beggar, but rather a person of discipline and purpose.
He revealed that plans are underway to extend the next training phase to a full year, rather than four months, to further deepen participants’ skills and knowledge.
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