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The Kwara branch of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), has enrolled 200 Almajiri children in a school in Ilorin to ensure a better future for them.
Hajia Halimat Yusuf, Chairperson, Education Committee of the association, said on Friday in Ilorin that the children have the right to go to school and be educated, irrespective of their origin, religion or tribe.
She made the remarks while presenting the beneficiaries with school uniforms and learning materials.
Yusuf, who was a former Commissioner for Education in the state, said that the move became necessary, because of the high rate of out of school children.
She added that FOMWAN was determined to encourage and support the children to have western education, and support the implementation of programmes that will gradually take the children off the streets.
“FOMWAN is determined to have a good number of children in schools because if they are not educated they are more likely to suffer adverse health outcomes and less likely to participate in the decisions that affect them.
“It will be a big threat to their ability to build a better future for themselves and their communities,’’she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the children, who were mainly scavengers and beggars, were enrolled at Karuma LGEA Primary School ‘A’ in Ilorin.
Yusuf described as worrisome the increase in number of Almajiri children on the streets, mostly in Gambari area in Ilorin, and how they are used for begging.
She described the idea as a violation of the rights of children to education, health, security, food and dignity.
“They will be the one guiding them; holding their arms to various places in the town and outside the town.
“The children were so small before, but we later discovered that they are growing up to teenagers and so on. So we pitied them and found it necessary to help them,’’she said.
According to her, “the adverse condition being experienced by the children could deprive them from having the good things of life and their rights as a citizen of the country.
Yusuf, however, said that the association was only able to adopt 200 children because of the financial burden involved in the task.
She said that the committee had informed the relevant government agencies and the state government had expressed interest in taking over the sponsorship.
In her remark, Mrs Fatimah Ahmed, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, commended the organisation for investing in the educational pursuit of the children.
Ahmed, represented by a Deputy Director in the Ministry, Mrs Susan Oyetunde, described the effort as a great contribution to the education sector in the state, and urged well meaning individuals and organisations to do likewise.
The commissioner sought for more public-private-partnership in the development of education in the state and Nigeria as a whole.
Earlier in her address of welcome, Mrs Halimat Lawal, the Headmistress of the school had applauded the Muslim women group for its timely intervention.
Lawal pledged that the newly enrolled pupils would excel, and urged other philanthropists to complement government’s effort in its policy of educational for all.
Edited By: Hawa Lawal/Emmanuel Okara
Source: NAN
07031179851
Kwara: Lawmaker distributes chairs, desks to schools
Lawmaker
Omu-Aran (Kwara), Nov. 4, 2020 Mr Tunji Ajuloopin, the member representing Ekiti, Isin, Irepodun and Oke-Ero Federal Constituency of Kwara, has distributed 100 chairs and desks to four schools in the constituency.
The schools that benefited includes Isapa Community School, Okesa, in Ekiti Local Government Area of the state, received 32 of the chairs and desks, while Demonstration LGEA School, Iwo, Isin Local Government got 22.
Community School, Olomi-Oja in Irepodun Local Government received 24 of the items, while St. Paul’s Primary School, Idofin Igbana, Oke-Ero Local Government received 22.
The lawmaker had earlier expressed worries over the dilapidated state of the schools, noting that their plight left him with insomnia for days.
“I know we have a lot to do but no one can sort the challenges at once, we are working based on our capabilities.
“We will continue to give priority to those things which need our immediate attention and fall within our capability.
“I am happy that some of the pupils who sit on the floor during lessons will no longer do so.
“Does it mean we have done everything, the answer is no, since we have done this one, the next thing is to again look at what our resources can accommodate,” Ajuloopin said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the distribution took place under the Ajuloopin Educational Project.
The distribution came in addition to the completion of blocks of classrooms in Isapa, Ekiti Local Government Area.
The lawmaker had earlier given scholarship to students in the constituency and also distributed glasses and drugs during the Ajuloopin Eye Care programme for more than 150 students identified with varying degrees of visual impairment.
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Edited By: Celine-Damilola Oyewole/Peter Ejiofor)
Source: NAN
The Kogi State Government on Sunday extended fumigation exercise of schools to the Eastern Senatorial district in Igala land ahead of resumption of students in exit classes on Aug. 10 in the state.
Pastor Emmanuel Idenyi, the Permanent Secretary, Kogi Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, spoke with newsmen during the fumigation exercise at Emonyoku Community Secondary School in Ogugu, Olamaboro Local Government Area (LGA).
Idenyi restated Gov. Yahaya Bello’s commitment to ensure a safe and conducive environment for the affected students ahead of resumption.
He expressed his satisfaction with the level of pro-activeness of the state government toward the reopening of schools but urged heads of schools to do more on cleanliness of schools’ environment to make it fit and safe for students’ resumption.
”The fumigation exercise started in Lokoja on Thursday. On Friday, I and the Ministry’s Commissioner, Wemi Jones, led two different teams to Kogi West in Okun land and Kogi Central in Ebira land respectively.
”Today, we are in Igala land; we started the fumigation from Ofu down to Olamaboro and Ankpa Local Government Areas, while the Director of Science and Technology, Mr Dipo Aiyenibe, also led another team to other flank of Kogi East, such as Idah, Dekina, Igalamela, Ibaji and Bassa LGAs.
”From what we have done here so far, and the report I am getting from other team; the exercise has been quite satisfactory”, Idenyi said.
The permanent secretary, however, called on principals and head teachers to ensure cleanliness of schools’ environments to make them conducive and safe for learners.
Idenyi further advised parents and guardians to make haste and pay up their children’s examination fees by keeping to the deadline of Aug. 18 to avoid any hindrance to the conduct of the examination.
The permanent secretary thanked the governor for being proactive in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic and for giving the needed assistance to the ministry.
Schools fumigated were: Government Girls Model Secondary School, Ogbonicha, Ofu LGA, Emonyoku Community Secondary School, Ogugu, Olamaboro and Federal Science & Technical College, Ogugu.
Others were: Government Secondary School, Okpo, School, Ojielanyi-Ojogobi, Ankpa, and LGEA Owele Islamic Primary School, Ankpa, among others.
According to Aiyenibe, the team I led fumigated Saint Peter’s College Idah, Holy Rosary College Idah, LGEA Okonya Primary School Ajaka, LGEA Primary School, Ofanwa, in Igalamela Odolu LGA.
Others were: Federal Government College Ugwolawo, UBE/ LGEA School, Saint Martin’s Primary/Secondary School, Ofu LGA, Our Lady of School and CMML Secondary School, Anyingba, among others.
Edited By: Adeleye Ajayi (NAN)
The Kogi Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr Wemi Jones, has urged heads of schools to be proactive, ensure a safe and conducive environment for students ahead of resumption for exit classes on Aug. 10 in the state.
Speaking with newsmen on Friday during the fumigation exercise at Abdulaziz Atta Memorial College (AMCO), Okene, the commissioner enjoined principals and heads of schools to ensure that school premises were conducive and safe for learners.
He stressed the need for schools’ managements to do their own bit by taking responsibility to clear grasses in their premises to ensure a clean, safe and conducive environment.
”His Excellency has given the marching order to fumigate all schools in the state and for me to personally take it up myself is to tell you the seriousness the governor’s marching order carries.
”We are going to ensure that no school is left out in the state in the fumigation exercise.
”Yesterday we started the fumigation in Lokoja. Today, I led a team to Kogi Central and the Permanent Secretary led another team to Kogi West in Okun land.
”The two team will be going to Kogi East on Saturday so that we can quickly cover as many schools as possible.
”It may not be possible to fumigate all schools in the state before resumption of schools for exit classes on Aug. 10 but we will ensure we use consecutive weekends until all schools are fumigated,” he said
The commissioner thanked the governor for his pro-activeness in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic and for giving the ministry the necessary support.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that apart from using the Motorised Modular Fumigator, the ministry also used manual fumigators to fumigate the schools’ premises against reptiles.
Schools fumigated in Kogi Central included: Government Science Secondary School, Ogaminana, Ebira Commercial Secondary School, Okene, LGEA Catholic School, Adavi.
Others were: LG Secondary School, Agassa, LGEA School, Anyava, Agassa, Queen of Apostle College and LG Secondary School, Ohiana, Okene, among others.
Edited By: Adeleye Ajayi (NAN)
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly Committee on Education has charged the state Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to intensif supervision of school projects to ensure that contractors delivered good jobs.
Mr Daniel Ogazi, the Chairman of the Committee, gave the task on Friday when he led other members on an inspection tour of SUBEB school projects in Karu Local Government Area of the state.
Ogazi, who is also the House Deputy Majority Leader, said that effective supervision of school projects by the management of SUBEB would go a long way in ensuring that contractors delivered quality works according to specifications.
According to him, lack of proper and effective supervision of the projects by SUBEB is the major cause of poor quality of jobs by some contractors.
He said that the committee was out to seeing things for themselves with the view of correcting any abnormalities, if discovered.
“This is because we want contractors to deliver good and quality jobs.
“As this will go a long way in justifying the state government’s huge investment in the education sector and for the benefit of our children,” he said.
Ogazi also said that the committee would invite all contractors that the committee has observed defects in their works to serve as deterrent to others.
“On Wednesday, next week, we will invite all contractors that we observed defects in their works because we want all contractors to deliver quality works according to their specifications,” he added.
He commended Gov. Abdullahi Sule for prioritising the education sector among other sectors for development to thrive in the state.
The deputy majority leader renewed call for headteachers, youths and community leaders to take ownership of projects in their domains in order to ensure that standard works are done.
He chairman assured of the committee’s readiness to collaborate with the government and other relevant stakeholders for an improved standard of education in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN reports that some of the schools visited included LGEA primary schools Kodape, Masaka, Luvu Madaki, Central Pilot Primary School Karu, Gurku, Koroduma, Ado Maichibi, Ado, Panda and Kowa Yarda.
Edited By: Benson Iziama/Muhammad (NAN) Suleiman Tola
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly Committee on Education, Science and Technology, has expressed concern over disparities in the bill of quantities used in the award of schools projects across the state.
Mr Daniel Ogazi (APC-Kokona East), Chairman of the Committee, made the statatement on Thursday when he led other members for an inspection tour of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) school projects in Keffi Local Government Area and Panda Development Area, respectively.
Ogazi, who is also the House Deputy Majority Leader, said the committee observed that some projects of the same nature had different contract sums.
He said the committee would ensure that those contractors whose bills of quantities were high would be reviewed and would be made to return some funds.
He also promised that the committee would invite the consultant, Canonic Associates, to brief the committee on the disparities.
The chairman said the committee embarked on the visit to see things for themselves with a view to correcting any abnormalities if discovered.
” We are inspecting these projects as part of our constitutional responsibilities in ensuring that standard jobs are done, anything short of quality jobs will not be accepted by the committee,” he said.
He also said that the committee would right any wrongs in the award of schools contract in the state.
Ogazi urged headteachers, youths and community leaders to take ownership of projects in their domain in order to ensure that standard works were done.
He called on the management of SUBEB to intensify efforts at supervising schools projects to ensure that good jobs were done by the contractors.
” We are going to make all our observations to SUBEB for necessary action on erring contractors, ” he said .
The deputy majority leader further assured the people of the state of the committee’s readiness to inspect schoola projects and other projects to ensure accountability and transparency in execution of government projects in the state.
Some of the schools visited by the committee include: Nur-ud-Deen primary school,Keffi, LGEA primary school Ahmadu Maikwato, Keffi, Islamiya primary school, Keffi, St Williams Primary school, Keffi, Model Science primary school, Keffi, Asasul Islam primary school, Keffi, Ibrahim Barde primary school, Angwan Waje, Keffi, Yelwa 1 primary school, Keffi and Yelwa 2 primary school, Keffi.
Edited By: Chioma Ugboma and Abdullahi Yusuf (NAN)
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly says it will not allow anyone to sabotage Gov. Abdullahi Sule’s efforts at improving the standard of education in the state.
Mr Daniel Ogazi (APC-Kokona East), the Chairman of the Committee on Education, Science and Technology, said this when he led other members on an inspection tour of SUBEB school projects on Wednesday in Agwada Development Area of the state.
Ogazi, also the Deputy Majority Leader of the Assembly, lauded Sule for his administration’s commitment to the development of the education sector.
According to him, “gone are the days you will just collect government money for contract without doing the job. It will not be business as usual”.
“Our visit to schools is not to witch-hunt anybody but to ensure that contractors deliver quality works. We are also out to correct any abnormalities,if discovered in project executions.
“We also want to ensure that the ongoing construction and renovation of classrooms across the state are up to standards. We will not accept any substandard work done by any contractor.
“This committee will not fold its hands to watch contractors sabotage government’s huge investment in the education sector.
“We are also going to make all of our observations to the state Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) for the board’s necessary action on erring contractors,” he said.
Ogazi however commended the contractor handling the construction of two classrooms at the Local Government Education Authority Karu Mada school for a job well done and urged him to sustain the tempo till completion.
He also advised contractors who are yet to complete their jobs according to specifications to do so or risk revocation.
The chairman advised communities to take ownership of school projects in their domains to ensure the durability.
The chairman of the committee assured of their readiness to collaborate with the Ministry of Education and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) for improved standard of education.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that some of the schools visited included LGEA pimary school at Tudu, Angwan Gimba, Angwan Pan, Sango Barau, Kar Baru, Bokoko, Apawu, Kana and Endo.
Others were the LGEA primary schools at Igwo, Agwada pilot Science primary school and Agbowa primary school.
Edited By: Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Muhammad Suleiman Tola (NAN)
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly on Tuesday advised contractors who abandoned various primary school projects to return to site and complete their jobs or risk sanctions.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Education, Science and Technology, Mr Daniel Ogazi, gave the advice during an inspection tour of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) schools projects in Kokona Local Government Area of the state.
Ogazi (APC-Kokona East) observed that some had abondoned projects located in remote areas after collecting public funds.
He decried the situation when he led other members of the committee during the assessment visit.
Ogazi, who expressed dismay over the unoatriotic attitude of some contractors, urged them to go back to their various sites to do the needful or face the consequences.
According to him, the committee will make its observations, especially in the areas of project abandonment and defects, for improved standard of education.
He urged the contractor handling the construction of a block of classrooms at the LGEA Primary School Talkamin to roof the school immediately or incur the wrath of government.
The chairman also urged the contractors handling the construction of three classrooms at LGEA Primary School Tattara Mada to return to site in order to repair the leakages, among other defects.
Ogazi, who is also the Deputy Majority Leader of the House, warned that the committee would not fold its hands and watch contractors sabotaging government huge investment in the education sector.
“We are here to inspect the ongoing construction and renovation of classrooms in Kokona LGA.
“This is to ensure that quality works are done in order to ensure their durability.
“We are also out to correct any abnormalities, if discovered, in project executions in the interest of our children and for the overall development of the education sector,” he said.
Besides, Ogazi enjoined contractors handling the construction and renovation of primary school projects across the state to adhere strictly to their contract specifications in order to ensure quality works were done.
He also advised communities to take ownership of the school projects in their domains so as to ensure durability.
The chairman restated the assembly’s continued commitment to oversight function in the interest of the development of the state and the country at large.
Some of the schools visited included LGEA primary schools at Kampani, Tattara Mada, Angwan Takpa, Garaku West, Garaku Central, Gurku Toni, Dari and Arusu,
Others were LGEA primary schools Mangoro, Talkamin, Amba, Kandele, Sabon Ruwa, Marke, and Ajuye.
Edited By: Chioma Ugboma/Muhammad Suleiman Tola (NAN)
The Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB) Niger State, says it will reexamine teachers to ensure they meet expected professional standard.
Chairman of the Board, Dr Isah Adamu said this while inaugurating a 15-member Teaching and Non-Teaching staff Committee for the 25 Local Government Education Authorities on Wedneaday in Minna.
He said the committee would conduct staff audit exercise for teaching and non-teaching staff across the 25 Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs) in the state.
“This will help us to determine the kind of staff that we are parading as teachers. We want to know if they are able to deliver on their subject matter as it pertains teaching and learning.
“It will help us to verify the staff qualification as commensurate to their grade level, ” he said.
Adamu tasked all staff of LGEAs to cooperate with the committee so that the aim of the exercise would be achieved.
He said the committee had 30 days to submit its report and recommendations while urging them to be transparent in their assignment.
“Due process should be your watchword and discharge this assignment without fear or favor.
“It is expected that you will bring your professional knowledge and expertise to bear on this assignment so as to contribute to the overall development of education in our dear state,” he said.
According to him, inconsistencies in staff data has been a challenge and a clog in the wheel of progress in Niger state Basic Education sub-sector.
“That is the reason, auditing our personnel in the actual number becomes paramount.
“The stagnated figures despite death, retirement and quest for greener pasture by our staff is something we must do and unravel as quickly as possible,” he said.
Similarly, he assured that the exercise is not aimed at witch-hunting anyone, but a deliberate effort to strengthen the system for effective service delivery.
“Anyone with any useful information that will aid the work of this committee should not hesitate to share such information for the benefit of our dear state,” he said.
He, however, noted that any attempt by stakeholders to conceal the truth or sabotage efforts of the board would be severely dealt with.
Adamu reassured that government of Gov. Abubakar Bello was poised to better the lots of teachers in the state by ensuring that all their due benefits were given to them as at when due.
“The governor has reassured us of his determination and willingness to improve on teacher’s welfare but consistency in staff data hinders all efforts, hence this inauguration.
” It is therefore desirable for us to carry out this exercise so as to determine our factual staff against the current one,” he said.
Also, Mr Ibrahim Umar, Chairman Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Niger chapter while appreciating the board, said that the project was timely and exigent.
“The Niger (NUT) needs this project so that we have authentic membership of our union, Niger State Uniniversal Basic Educaton Board (NSUBEB) will need it to sort out lingering issues on promotion and increment of teachers in Niger.
“Our problem as teachers can only be solved with such projects coming on board and Niger (NUT) will do all in its power to see that the project is successful,” he added.
The News Agency of Nigeria , reports that members of the committee include Alhaji Ayuba Katako, chairman for zone A, Alhaji Saidu Ibrahim, chairman for zone B, Alhaji Khalid Garba chairman for zone C , Alhaji Ibrahim Umar, NUT chairman Niger State chapter and 11 others
Edited By: Chioma Ugboma and Isaac Ukpoju (NAN)
Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue has advised people who turned out to vote in the state Local Government Council elections on Saturday to leave the polling units as soon as they voted to guard against the spread of Covid-19.
Ortom gave the advice on Saturday in Gbajimba, headquarters of Guma Local Government Area of the state after casting his vote at the LGEA Primary School polling unit, Gbajimba.
“Vote and leave in order to give room for other electorate to also exercise their franchise.
“The Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) has directed that in order to guard against the spread of Covid-19 only 30 electorate will be allowed at the polling units at a time.
“So, if you vote, you have to leave to allow others too to come and vote.
“I have the confidence that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will win overwhelmingly because in most of the local government areas, the candidates are unopposed.
Meanwhile, correspondents of the News Agency of Nigeria who monitored the polls in Makurdi, Kwande, parts of Gboko and Gwer Local Government Councils report that the polls were marred by voter apathy.
NAN reports that the polls had not commenced in any of the polling units within Makurdi metropolis as at 12 noon.
At Kanshio Primary School polling unit, located in the suburb of Makurdi,electoral officials were seen conducting the polls.
An electoral officer, Ms Priscilla Ikyer, in charge of the unit, lamented the absence of voting materials especially, ink pad, ballot boxes and stamp.
An aide to Gov. Ortom, Mr Orngu Anngu, who also voted at the unit, commended the officials for ” the peaceful and professional manner the election is being conducted”.
He also commended security officials for securing the polling unit and assured that his party would win overwhelmingly.
Orngu, however, regretted that polling unit officials were not properly kitted against Covid-19.
” They are not wearing face masks and other protective kits,” he said.
At Ikpayongo market, an accredited PDP agent in Mbasombo ward, Mr Terfa Uleve, who was cited wearing the party’s tag while displaying his wares at the market, alleged that “since there is no election, I returned to the market to sell my wares.
Reacting to the non availability of electoral materials, the Public Relations Officer of the Benue Independent Electoral Commission (BISEC), Ms Mavis Toryem, said the commission would address its shortcomings.
Reporters/
Edited By: Abdullahi Yusuf (NAN)
