The Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan (SAIL) Foundation has commenced a large-scale education programme aimed at returning 1,178 out-of-school children to secondary schools across Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The initiative, known as “Second Chance: A SAIL Foundation Education Development Initiative,” was officially unveiled on Sunday by former Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan. The programme is designed to expand access to secondary education across the Yobe North Senatorial District while supporting children who have been unable to remain in school.

Under the initiative, 1,178 beneficiaries were selected from 17 secondary schools in Nguru. The foundation has pledged to finance their secondary education throughout the entire duration of their studies.

Beyond covering school fees, the intervention also provides beneficiaries with school bags, textbooks, uniforms and sandals, ensuring they have the essential learning materials needed to participate effectively in school.

Speaking at the launch, Lawan reaffirmed his long-standing commitment to education, stressing that financial hardship should never deny children the opportunity to learn.

“Education remains the most enduring investment we can make in our youth. I have never wavered in the conviction that no child should be left behind because of his or her circumstance,” he said.

According to the former Senate President, the SAIL Foundation remains focused on expanding educational opportunities for young people across Yobe North and other parts of the state.

As preparations begin for the new academic session, the foundation announced that the measurement and fitting of uniforms and sandals for beneficiaries will commence on Monday, July 27, 2026.

The exercise is scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. at Galadima Maidunoma Mega School, Nguru, opposite Zangon Shanu.

The distribution exercise will be coordinated by the organising committee led by Comrade Bashir Sharif Tahir, SAIL Coordinator for Nguru, working with beneficiaries drawn from the 17 participating secondary schools.

Lawan appealed to parents, guardians and school proprietors to ensure beneficiaries report promptly for the exercise to guarantee a seamless distribution of educational materials.

He also reiterated the foundation’s determination to continue promoting education and creating sustainable opportunities for young people across Yobe North, Yobe State and beyond.

The intervention comes amid ongoing concerns over the high number of out-of-school children in northern Nigeria, where poverty, insecurity and limited access to educational

Source: The Guardian