By Yunusa Isa, Gombe
In its effort to complement Governor Inuwa Yahaya Administration’s commitment to sweep children from streets to classes, the Misilli Community Development Foundation has enrolled yet another batch of 50 less privileged children into schools in Gombe State.
The intervention which is the third of its kind, has brought the number of pupils benefitting from the foundation’s scholarship scheme to 150.
Speaking during the enrollment ceremony in Gombe, the Founder Misilli Community Development Foundation who doubles as Director-General Press Affairs, Government House Gombe, Ismaila Uba Misilli, said the initiative is driven by his belief that education is foundation to development and prosperity.
He noted of his continued commitment to sustain what he said was started by his forefathers, by ensuring that less privilege, orphans and vulnerable children have access to quality education in the state.
“This intervention has been there before us. What we are doing is continuing what our forefathers started. We shall keep paying school fees, providing facilities, and rewarding the best among the children to encourage them.”
In his welcome remarks, Barr. Lawal Uba Misilli, highlighted on the enrollment process, noting that “We channel the process through ward heads for children aged six to seven. After enrollment, the foundation monitors pupils and students to make sure they attend school.”
The Foundation’s Coordinator, Yusuf Hamza, explained that the scholarship covers tuition fees, school uniforms, bags, and other materials, with strict monitoring of beneficiaries’ academic performance.
In her address the State Commissioner for Education, Professor Aishatu Umar Maigari commended the Misilli Foundation for the initiative and assured of possible collaboration and support.
Professor Maigari represented by the Director School Services of the ministry Malam Yusuf Abubakar, charged well meaning individuals and groups to borrow leaf from the initiative, to positively give back to society.
The representative of State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Hauwa Yahaya Umaru, commended the initiative, describing it as timely.
“This kind of gesture will fill the vacuum for out-of-school children in Gombe. Out-of-school children recorded recent years is alarming, while government enrolled 136,000, last year, much more still needs to be done. Parents must also ensure their children attend classes.”
Also speaking, the State Head of Service, Ahmed Kasimu Abdullahi, applauded the founder for his selfless service and consistent dedication to addressing the issue of out-of-school children in the state, encouraging others to venture in to complement government efforts in bridging out-of-school children gaps.
“This kind of project should not be left for government alone. What Misilli Foundation is doing will not only complement Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s efforts, but also leave a lasting impact in the hearts of the beneficiaries.”
Elder statesman Yaya Hammari the Wazirin Yariman Gombe, described education as the best legacy in Islam. “In Islam, knowledge is the priority. The Misilli family have helping people in their blood, from their forefathers down to present generation. Gombe Local Government is blessed to have them”.
Other speakers to include the AGILE State Project Coordinator, Dr. Amina Haruna Abdul and Ambassador Dauda Stanley, described the intervention as timely and in line with government’s efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children.
Some parents of the beneficiaries Maikudi Dangomna, father to two beneficiaries, said “Without this foundation, my children would still be roaming the streets. Today, they are in school, and everything they need is provided. I cannot thank the Misilli family enough.”
Similarly, Aliyu Muktur Tukur, father to four beneficiaries, noted that “This program has lifted a huge burden from my family. They pay the fees, buy uniforms, and even monitor the children to make sure they go to school. May Allah reward them abundantly.”
During the enrollment ceremony, three outstanding pupils from previous batches were supported with bicycles to motivate and facilitate their ways to school.
One of the beneficiaries, Hamza Ubale Hamza, from Herwagana Primary School, expressed excitement: “I’m very excited for this intervention, it shall encourage me focus on my studies. If not for this foundation, I would not have found myself in school. I shall study hard so I can equally help others in the future.”
The event was attended by top government officials, heads of agencies and community leaders who described the foundation as a lifeline for families who could not afford school fees.
In its three years of existence, the Misilli Foundation has successfully enrolled over 65 girls and 11 boys into secondary schools, 150 pupils into primary schools including 88 girls and 62 boys. It has also supported tertiary students with scholarships and JAMB registration fees.
Beyond education, the foundation has equally settled medical bills for patients, installed two transformers, 10 solar-powered boreholes, and 60 solar streetlights.