Niger buys equipment worth N100m to curtail Ebola in schools

From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

Niger state government said it has so far purchased equipment worth the sum of N 100 million to forestall the spread of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in both public and private schools in the state, ahead of the October 10 resumption date.

Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu of Niger state, who spoke through the Commissioner for Education, Malam Danladi AbdulHameed during the Independence Anniversary Children’s Party in Minna, said his Ministry has trained at least 14, 000 teachers to prevent Ebola outbreak in schools across the state.

He explained that though there has not been any reported case of the Ebola disease in the state, the state government thought it wise to embark on a pro-active measure in order to effectively protect children.

The governor also revealed that the administration has at the moment expended over N3 billion in the construction and renovation of school buildings, across the state, while about N688 million has been invested for the 2014 internal and external exams of WAEC and NECO for students.

According to him, due to all the measures adopted by the state government such as the free education policy, many children from the private schools are leaving and enrolling in public schools, while urging them to shun all forms of negative social vices as government would continue to education.

On the nations’ 54th Independence Anniversary, he urged Nigerians to unite for the growth and progress of the country, irrespective of tribe or religion, adding that if there was no independence, there wouldn’t have democracy.

Aliyu also expressed optimism that the abducted Chibok children would be released and returned to their parents, saying, “If those that kidnapped them repent and if, they refused, may they be destroyed double-fold”.