Yobe begins school feeding programme, to distribute 100,000 textbooks at basic level

By Maryam Abeeb 

Gov Mai Mala Buni of Yobe on Saturday said the state had introduced the Enhanced School Feeding Programme and will soon distribute 100,000 textbooks to junior and senior secondary school students.

Buni, who stated this in Damaturu at the launch of the maiden Education Day, said his administration would similarly soon distribute laboratory equipment to secondary schools in the state.

He described the measures as part of efforts to revitalize education, to provide a strong foundation for the state’s socio-economic development.

The governor said the state had established 14 model and mega schools, constructed hostels at various female boarding schools and renovated Government Day Secondary Schools, Buni-Yadi, Government Girls Secondary School Buni-Gari, in three years.

“ I am particularly impressed with the usage of modern instruments and application of a combination of conventional and innovative techniques in teaching and learning processes introduced in our schools across the State.

“ I am also excited that we can today proudly tell our stories of success on account of hard work, focus and commitment of the state government, following the declaration of State of emergency by this administration.

“ The impressive performance of our students in national examinations is a positive indication of our collective efforts to equip the future generations with the required prerequisites for self-actualization, good citizenship and a prosperous future.

“ It is only when we have well educated and equipped citizenry that the State can explore and exploit its richly endowed human and natural resources.

“ As we are all aware, the education sector was the most affected sector at the peak of the insurgency attacks and needs prompt and definite action for speedy recovery to facilitate socio-economic development of the state.

“ This administration has demonstrated adequate political will to salvage the sector by convening the first ever education summit and the constitution of a Technical Committee for the revitalization of Basic and Secondary education.

“ It also split the defunct Ministry of Education into the Ministry of Higher Education and Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, and facilitated training and retraining of teachers,” Buni said.

In his remarks, Dr. Sani Idriss, Commissioner, Basic and Secondary Education, described Buni as a ‘saint’ sent by God to save education in the state from imminent collapse.

He commended the governor for the payment of students’ registration fees for West African Examination Council (WAEC), National Examination Council (NECO), National Business and Technical Education Board (NABTEB) examinations, among others.

“ All the children of the masses in Yobe are not contributing a single kobo to sit for these examinations, courtesy of our amiable governor,” Idriss said.