The Emir of Wase, Alhaji Muhammad Sambo Haruna, has expressed concerns over the socio-educational, socio-cultural and religious advancement of the Fulani ethnic nationality in Plateau State.

Haruna raised the concerns at a one-day stakeholders’ engagement event organised by Fulbe Development and Cultural Organisation (FUDECO).

The theme of the discussion was “Consolidating the outcomes of the IDRC-SPARC GES research findings on the economic employment of pastoralist women in Plateau State.” The discussion was held at Sharna Place in Jos on Monday.

Represented by the Galadiman Wase, Alhaji Mustafa Umar, the emir emphasised the need for a review of the cultural behaviour of the Fulani ethnic extraction to reflect on the past glory.

“We also reviewed the educational pursuit of the Fulani, particularly the girl child education, which is paramount and important for societal progress,” he said.

The Plateau State Chairman of FUDECO, Mallam Abubakar Gambo, stated that they have initiated a study within the Fulani settlement in Barkin Ladi Council, whose results revealed a significant gap.

“FUDECO, as a humanitarian organisation, ventured into research to identify the problems of Fulbe in various communities so that there should be solutions to address the problems,” he said.

Gambo said they will put in their best to ensure that the proper education of the Fulbe girl child is taken to an appreciable level.

“The level of formal education is critically low across all communities of the study, with only 15.7 per cent attaining primary school, 8.6 per cent making it to secondary school, while only 2.6 per cent are eligible for tertiary education.

“We will continue to do our best, especially in the areas of the Fulbe girl child education, to change the narratives. We have targeted a time frame of 10 years within which we hope things will change for the better,” he said.

He urged the Ministry of Livestock Development and all other relevant government agencies always to be open to providing support to all herders’ associations, enabling their development to thrive.

The state Chairman of the Gan Allah Fulani Development Association of Nigeria (GAFDAN), Alhaji Abdullahi Garba, emphasised the need for herders to invest substantial resources in the education of their children.

“God has endowed us with massive wealth, which we use to educate our children without even waiting for the government. And when we do this, I am sure our youths will shun and eschew any act of banditry. Illiteracy is the backbone of banditry and other heinous acts,” he said.

Also, the state Chairman of Miyyeti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ibrahim Babayo, said they must wake up to support the education of their children. “Today, it is a fact that waiting for the government to give us education is a waste of time.”

He admonished, “We must also do our best to provide for ourselves the enabling environment, and make our educated children go into our localities and educate their younger ones.”