By Jibrin Hussaini Kundum, Bauchi
Pupils and students across the Dambam and Darazo Emirate Councils of Bauchi State have continued to face numerous challenges due to lack of condusive environment for effective teaching and learning, as well as vandalism of school infrastructure and poor maintenance of school property.
These challenges were observed by our Correspondent, Jibrin Hussaini Kundum, during an advocacy visit to the Emirs of Darazo and Dambam, led by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Bauchi.
Receiving the delegation in his place, the Emir of Darazo, Alhaji Ibrahim Babayo Bababa, emphasized the growing need to protect educational institutions from external threats.
He noted that proper fencing of schools would prevent unauthorized access, reduce vandalism, and create a safer learning environment for both students and teachers.
The Emir stressed that “safeguarding schools is a collective responsibility”, and urged the government, particularly SUBEB, to take proactive measures in addressing the silent challenges confronting schools due to activities of unpatriotic citizens.
He observed that the roofs of many public schools had collapsed as a result of years of neglect, windstorms, and acts of vandalism, particularly the removal of desks, windows, doors, and roofing materials.
Taking into cognizance, the abscondment of some teachers posted to schools within the emirate, low enrolment, and inadequate teaching aids, the royal father called on the government to urgently address the issues.
In his response, the Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, Alhaji Abubakar Isah Baba, appreciated the Emir’s concerns and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving standards in the basic education sector.
He emphasized the important role of traditional rulers in promoting education, particularly in reducing the number of street hawkers, improving student enrolment, and supporting back-to-school campaigns.
Alhaji Abubakar Isah Baba also reaffirmed the board’s commitment to monitoring and evaluation exercises and urged parents to support government efforts aimed at upholding standards in basic education across the state.
Meanwhile, the SUBEB advocacy team also visited the Emir of Dambam, Alhaji Idris Bappah Musa, for a similar engagement.
Receiving the delegation, the royal father expressed appreciation for the visit and pledged his full support toward repositioning the basic education system in his emirate.
The advocacy visit was organized by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Bauchi Field Office, to strengthen cooperation with traditional rulers in reshaping the future of the basic education sector in Bauchi State.