Sokoto, US To Partner On Education, Counter-terrorism

Ahead of the visit of US Secretary of State, John Kerry, to Nigeria this week, the Sokoto State government has said it will collaborate with the US government to expand access to education with a view to tackling terrorism andpromoting small and medium scale industries in the state. Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal said this after a meeting with Ambassador Johnnie Carson, an expert in African affairs and also a Senior Advisor with the United States Institute for Peace (USIP). A statement issued in Sokoto by Tambuwal’s spokesman, Imam Imam, said the meeting centred on efforts by the state government to increase enrolment in schools, enhance qualityoutput, and develop a framework that would inspire young men to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills at a young age.“Governor Tambuwal briefed Carson and his team of efforts to increase literacy and numeracy among vast majority of children left out of school. He also spoke extensively on creating opportunities for youth, women and children, and most importantly, improving other social sectors like health and provision of water in the state. “Issues of gender equality and how to enhancethe integration of women into decision-makingorgans were also discussed,” the statement added. It said government would continue to explore avenues of empowering small and medium scale businesses in order to enhance their potential and increase employment generation in Sokoto state.