Jtimes
By Jibrin Hussaini Kundum, Bauchi
The residents of Jamdan Kogi Village Of Duguri District, Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State have expressed concerns over the inability of the state government to provide them with a primary school to reduce the number of out of school children in the area.
In an interview, one of the community members Malam Salisu Makeri Banjaran said the area was left behind in terms of dividend of democracy despite the commitment of present administration of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed to improve the education sector, particularly in rural areas.
According to him “With a population of over 3,500 people, Jamdan Kogi Community has almost one thousand five hundred out of school children due to absence of a standard block of classroom”.
He described the situation as worrisome and heart touching, noting that “the children are looking up to is and the government to provide them with an opportunity to western knowledge.
Salisu Makeri observed that, many parents in the village were left with no option than to send the children to look after animals forfeiting to pursuing their educational aspirations.
He added that, “Those children who are opportunity to attend to public school in a nearby community Gigera West, have to track a distance of 9 to 10 kilometers in the bush.
An elderly man in the village Malam Adamu Muhammad; the Magajin Garin Jamda, said for many years, they have reported the issue to authorities concern in both Alkaleri Local Council and the state government.
He appealed to Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed to come to their aid by providing them with basic amenities.
On his part, the Ward Head of Jamdan Kogi North, Malam Sa’adu Gambo, solicited for support from governments and non governmental organizations to address the challenges affecting his community.
Efforts to hear from the Education Secretary, Alkaleri Local Education Authority to ascertain the commitment of the LEA on the matter proved abortive.
It could be recalled that on the 23rd of September, 2024 Bauchi State Government through the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Awarded over 2.6 billion Naira for the renovations and constructions of critical infrastructure, including drilling hand pumps boreholes, VIP toilets, and furniture for primary and junior secondary schools across the state.
The Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Bauchi Alhaji Adamu Muhammad Duguri stated this at the opening ceremony of the 2022/2023 bid tender held at the Conference Hall at the SUBEB Headquarter’s.
Adamu Duguri emphasized the importance of transparency and honesty among contractors.
The Chairman who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Board Abdulhamid Mohammad Jibrin, stressed that the board will not tolerate any misconduct or breach of contract agreement.
