Yobe educational development efforts receive mega boost
Yobe State’s educational sector is set to receive a massive boost as the state government launched an Education Appeal Fund today, (Thursday 10 February 2022), at an event held at Ladi Kwali Hall, Sheraton Hotel in Abuja.
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The appeal fund programme was launched by the state government to join hands with the people of the state and friends across the country, to address the appalling situation in Yobe schools especially after the Boko Haram insurgency and give the state’s educational sector the new structure that it so desperately needs.
In a statement by the Honourable Governor of the state, His Excellency, Mai Mala Buni, during the event, he hammered on the necessity of education in Yobe State and the need to revitalise it.
He noted that the education fundraising event was hosted for the benefit of the young people of Yobe State who have in the last 12 years suffered from the scourge of insurgency.
His statement reads in part “When I was called upon to serve the dear good people of Yobe State, I reflected a great deal on the ways and manner to effectively deliver on the appropriate provisions of the constitution to better the well being of the people of the state. It became clear to me that for good governance and democracy to thrive, we need a well educated and enlightened citizenry.”
The Governor said that the goal to entrench the dividends of democratic good governance can only be optimally achieved through sustained education development of the society, noting that societal retrogression and degeneration is sure consequences of poor education.
Governor Buni also appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari and the security agencies for their commitment and resilience in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency, giving the state peace and security to reclaim and rebuild the educational system.
The Boko Haram insurgency had destroyed the educational system in the state and among the schools that were attacked are GSS Damaturu, GSS Mamudo, GSTC Potiskum, GGSTC Dapchi, BEST Center Gaidam, BEST Center Goniri, GJSS Kanamma, GSTC Gujba, and FGC Buni-Yadi.
Others are Central Primary School Buni-Yadi, Shuwari Primary School Buni-Yadi and several other primary schools across Gujba Local Government Area.
The situation created a problem as multibillion naira facilities were razed leaving the government with the tough task of reconstruction at a huge cost in the face of dwindling resources.
At the event, Governor Mai Mala Buni stressed that the task of rejuvenating education in the state is far beyond the traditional treasury capacity of the state, hence the need to look elsewhere for support.
He said, “Consequent to this challenge, we decided to approach your good selves, our potential benefactors, through this education fundraising event to seek your support, in cash and/or in-kind of endowment seed fund to an estimated value of N25 billion.”
According to Governor Buni, the fund so generated would be channelled towards developing and maintaining a high standard of education philosophy; education policy; legal, regulatory, and institutional arrangement in the basic and secondary education sub-sector.
Other areas include: “Eliminate the problem of out-of-school children; maintain the highest standard of enrolment, attendance, and retention with special attention to girls’ education.
“Improvement of the adequacy in quality and quantity of teachers and para-teaching personnel.
“Evolution and maintenance of standard teaching and learning environments (i.e., infrastructure, material and equipment).
“Build partnerships with educational institutions, multilateral development institutions and bilateral assistance agencies; corporate and public organisations with a view to raising support and building capacity to achieve the set revitalisation objectives.
“Ensure prudential management of and reporting on all the resources associated with the education revitalization initiative in accordance with best international practices, through an independent board of trustees.”
A whooping sum of money was raised from the event as great philanthropists and politicians gave generously to revive the education in Yobe State.
The event hosted top governors from various states like Governors Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, Hope Uzodinma of Imo state, etcetera.
Other dignitaries are the Emir of Fika, Alhaji Muhammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa, Emir of Bade, Alhaji Abubakar Sulayman, former Yobe State governors, Senators Bukar Abba Ibrahim and Ibrahim Gaidam, Senator Owelle Rochas Okorocha, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, Deputy Senate President, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege and others too numerous to mention.
The chief launcher of the event was Alhaji Dahiru Bara’u Mangal, Chairman, Mangal Group while the occasion was chaired by Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe, GCON.
