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Bauchi Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed in a group photograph with members of the Education Steering Committee
By Akanji Alowoludo, Bauchi
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has flagged off the 2023 Enrolment drive/Back to School Campaign in partnership with UNICEF, Bauchi Field Office.
It was in a bid towards repositioning and uplifting of the standard of education in the state, particularly at the primary school level .
Speaking at the flagging off of the campaign held at the new Banquet Hall, Government House, Bauchi, the Governor said that his administration is committed to ensuring judicious utilization of available resources towards the implementation of educational policies that will foster gender inclusion, promote equity, deliver quality learning and guarantee safe and violence-free schooling for all citizens in the state.
He also said that the administration is deeply concerned with the state of education and is always proactive in taking measures to address observed lapses in the educational system.
It led to approved promotion of all teachers, renovation and construction of more schools, payments of examination fees, including JAMB in an effort to improve the working condition and welfare of teachers in the state in addition to the recruitment of additional 1,000 teachers to support teaching and learning.
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State
According to him, “It is our moral and constitutional duty to ensure that every child in Bauchi State has access to quality education. I wish to use this occasion to express my special appreciation to UNICEF Nigeria and the Bauchi Field Office for their partnership and support to uplift education in the State.”
The Governor added that, “I am also grateful to FCDO, USAID, the World Bank, UNESCO and European Union as well as the organized private sector for the role they have been playing in this regard. I want to assure them that we shall expand and deepen our collaboration with them for quality education in Bauchi State.”
The Governor then inaugurated Bauchi State Education Steering Committee and explained that the establishment of the committee is a testimony of his administration’s unwavering commitment to providing quality education to every child in the state.
It is also the need to adapt to changing educational paradigm by ensuring effective learning and the acquisition of relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies.
The Governor also said that the terms of reference of the committee are to undertake specific actions that will promote quality education in terms of school attendance, transition and completion in the State.
It also include Islamic, Quranic and Tsangaya Education, Nomadic and Second chance education at the Local Government and State levels.
He said that the committee is expected to build partnership with relevant bodies for collaborative efforts and actions in the promotion of all citizens education in the state and to ensure that education issues are on the front banner of government agencies in the State.
Others he added are to embark on high level advocacy to the State Government and relevant decision makers and to initiate and implement State Enrolment drive activities at the Local Government and State levels.
To also monitor and evaluate school projects and activities, to take responsibility for the effective implementation of the State education plans and to source for funds from donor agencies and other relevant organisations to supplement government effort in funding the education sector.
Bala Mohammed stressed that, “I have no doubt that members of this Steering Committee are fervent supporters of educational reform in addition to being authorities in their respective disciplines.”
“Your selection to serve on the Committee is therefore based on your record of success, your commitment to the socio-economic development of the State and determination to make sure that no child is left behind in the acquisition of knowledge,” he added.
According to him, “Our goal as a government is to make Bauchi State a centre of educational excellence, where every kid has the chance to obtain a top-notch education that equips them with the capacity to face the challenges of the 21st century.”
“To achieve this goal, we must work together tirelessly, leveraging your expertise, innovative ideas and a shared vision for a brighter tomorrow,” he added.
Bala Mohammed then appealed to members of the committee to bring to bear, their wealth of knowledge and experience in the discharge of their assignment and assured the committee of government’s support and guidance through the Ministry of Education that will fast-tract its performance towards ensuring that all children are back to school to be given quality basic education.
The State Education Steering Committee has Emir of Bauchi, Dr. Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu aa Chairman while Emir of Katagum, Alh Umar Faruk, Emir of Misau, Alh. Ahmed Suleiman, Emir of Jama’are, Alh. Nuhu Ahmad Wabi, Emir of Ningi, Alh. Yunusa Muhammad Danyaya, Emir of Dass, Alh. Usman Bilyminu Othman, Chairman House of Assembly Education Committee, Commissioner of Education, Executive Chairman SUBEB, Executive Secretary BASAME and Executive Secretary BASANE are members.
The rest are state Chairman PTA, State Chairman SBMC, Head of UNICEF Zone D Bauchi, Regional Adviser USAID (Learn to Read), State Team Lead USAID (State to State), UNFPA Head of Bauchi Office, Managing Director BATV, Managing Director BRC, Managing Director Globe FM, State Project Coordinator Plan International as members while Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education as Member/Secretary.
Earlier, Commissioner of Education, Jamila Dahiru stressed the importance of education to growth and development, therefore, the need to do everything possible to ensure quality and standard primary school education.
The Emir of Bauchi, Dr Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu in his capacity as Chairman of the Committee assured that the terms of reference will be strictly adhered to with the aim of getting the required results.
