The Sokoto State Government has expanded its free school bus programme for public schools across the state as part of Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s sustained efforts to improve access to education and ease transportation challenges faced by students.

‎In the latest phase of the initiative, two additional school buses were commissioned and handed over to students in the Arkilla area to support their daily commute and encourage regular school attendance.

‎The expansion is designed to improve coverage across key communities and ensure that more students benefit from safe and reliable transportation to and from school.

‎Under the new arrangement, the buses will operate along two major routes. The first route covers 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 serve students commuting through the Arkilla Roundabout, Kalambaina, Wajake, and Gumbi axis.

‎Speaking during the presentation ceremony, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Professor Ahmad Ladan Ala, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Sanusi Aliyu Binji, described Governor Ahmad Aliyu as a visionary leader whose administration continues to prioritize education through strategic investments and people-centered policies.

‎Dr. Binji highlighted the administration’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities, particularly for girls, citing the establishment of the Sokoto All Girls Science Academy as a landmark intervention.

‎According to him, the academy is equipped with modern facilities designed to encourage young girls to pursue careers in medicine, nursing, engineering, and other professional fields, thereby strengthening female participation in critical sectors of national development.

‎The initiative received widespread commendation from education stakeholders and community leaders present at the event.

‎The President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Sokoto State Chapter, Ikililu Muhammad Abubakar, described education as the bedrock of sustainable development and urged parents to ensure that their children take full advantage of the opportunity by attending school regularly.

‎He stressed that today’s students represent the future leadership of the state and the nation.

‎Similarly, the Zonal Director for Sokoto South, Abubakar Ibrahim, commended Governor Ahmad Aliyu, FCNA, for introducing the free transportation service, noting that it would significantly reduce the financial burden on parents and improve students’ access to education.

‎Also speaking, the Ubandoman Arkilla, Abubakar Umar, described the intervention as a major step toward addressing transportation difficulties faced by students. He called on teachers to remain committed to their responsibilities, maintain regular attendance, and justify the government’s continued investment in education, staff welfare, and prompt salary payments.

‎To ensure accountability and effective management of the programme, Dr. Binji formally introduced the designated bus drivers to community leaders and entrusted the host communities with oversight responsibilities to support proper monitoring and safeguarding of the buses.

‎The Ministry reaffirmed that the school transportation service remains completely free for all students, with the Sokoto State Government assuming full responsibility for fueling, maintenance, repairs, and routine servicing to guarantee the sustainability of the programme.

‎Students who benefited from the initiative expressed appreciation to the state government, describing the intervention as timely and impactful. Many noted that the buses would ease the burden of long daily treks to school and improve their ability to attend classes regularly.

‎The Sokoto State Government reiterated its commitment to investing in policies and programmes that enhance educational access, improve learning outcomes, and create a conducive environment for students to succeed.

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