UNICEF distributes learning materials to 180,000 pupils in Adamawa
Queries lopsided positing of teachers in rural areas
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), yesterday, flagged off the distribution of learning materials to 180,000 pupils in the Adamawa State.
The materials were handed over to the Chief of Staff to the governor, Prof. Maxwell Gidado (who represented Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri).
Presenting the items, UNICEF Education Consultant (Bauchi Field Office), Mr. Joel Jutum, said the initiative seeks to improve equitable access to quality education in the state.
He noted that education plays a vital role in the development of any country, pointing out that good education eradicates poverty and improves the value of people’s lives.
“No nation can rise above its educational level,” Jutum said.
Gidado commended UNICEF for assisting the state government to achieve its educational goals.
Also, Education Secretary (Yola-South), Alhaji Abba Bayero, expressed delight over the materials, promising that his council will monitor distribution to ensure all schools benefit.
Jutum queried the state government over the lack of teachers in rural schools. He pointed out that teachers are clustered in urban areas while rural settlements risk having one teacher in three classes.
He maintained that UNICEF is committed to partnering with Adamawa on education, saying: “You may recall that on September 28, 2021, 33 blocks of 69 classrooms and offices and one fence of 256 meters were completed and commissioned by the governor”.
“I am pleased to inform you that 44 blocks of 105 classrooms and six toilets are now fully completed, equipped with a set of furniture, and will be handed over during this distribution in each local government, to enhance learning.”
He said that with funds from the government of Germany, Global Partnership for Education and the government of Norway, UNICEF was able to achieve many education programmes.
He explained: “In 2019, 544,951 out-of-school children were tracked from five councils of Fufore, Girei, Guyuk, Mubi-North and Yola-South councils. 514,743 (94 per cent) returned to schools through collaboration with the communities and traditional institutions.
“274,856 children benefitted from school bags with assorted learning materials and recreational materials; 8,740 teachers were provided with teaching materials and 15,778 school girls were provided school uniforms and many other projects.”
Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox every day of the week. Stay informed with the Guardian’s leading coverage of Nigerian and world news, business, technology and sports.
0 Comments
We will review and take appropriate action.