Yobe Government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have commenced reconstruction and renovation of 80 schools in Fika and Bade Local Government Areas.
Gov. Mai Mala Buni said on Monday in Kashaka, Fika local government that the project would go along way in transforming the education sector in the state.
“This ceremony provides us with opportunity to witness a very important intervention by UNICEF to assist the government in transforming the education sector in the state, especially in this post insurgency period,” he said.
Buni who was represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Idi Gubana, said that his administration was not oblivious of its pupils’ disadvantaged position and the importance of quality education in the state’s economy and its socio-political development.
“Which is why on assumption of mantle of leadership of the state, I declared a State of Emergency in the education sector,” he said.
The governor urged parents, community leaders and other stakeholders to improve on students’ enrollment to bridge the existing gap in the sector.
Dr. Clement Adams, UNICEF head of Borno Office, represented by Abdullahi Bula, said UNICEF had been committed to ensuring that children have access to education and learn in safe environments wherever they live.
“With the support of partners, including the German Government, UNICEF has consistently implemented projects that will reverse the glaring effects of armed conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic on the education sector,” he said.
Adamu called on the state government and corporate organisations to invest more in education and the protection of children, particularly in undeserved areas.
In his remarks, Alhaji Iliyasu Maluri, Director Personnel Management of Fika local government, said the gesture was not only for the benefit of Gashaka community, but for the entire local government.
He urged the benefiting communities to take ownership of the project and utilise the opportunity to enrol their children in school.
