Bauchi Gov Flags Off 2023 Enrollment Drive,  Back to School Campaign

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

As part of efforts towards repositioning and upliftment of the standard of education in the state, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed , has  flagged off the 2023 enrolment  drive/Back to School campaign in  partnership with  UNICEF Bauchi Field Office .

Speaking at the flagging off of the campaign in Bauchi, yesterday, the governor said his administration was  committed to ensuring judicious utilisation of available resources towards the implementation of educational policies that will foster gender inclusion, promote equity, deliver quality learning and guarantee safe  and violence-free schooling for all citizens in the state.

He said his administration was deeply concerned with the state of education and is always proactive in taking measures to address observed lapses in the educational
system.

“Hence, we have approved promotion of all teachers, renovation and construction of more schools, payments of examination fees, including JAMB in an effort to improve the working condition and welfare of teachers in the state in addition to the recruitment of additional 1,000 teachers to support teaching and learning.

“It is our moral and constitutional duty to ensure that every child in Bauchi State has access to quality education. I wish to use this occasion to express my special appreciation to UNICEF Nigeria and the Bauchi Field Office for their partnership and support to uplift education in the State.

“I am also grateful to  FCDO, USAID, the World  Bank,  UNESCO and  European Union as well as the organised private sector for the role they have been playing in this regard. I want to assure them that we shall expand  and deepen our collaboration with  them for quality education in Bauchi State.”

The governor, who also inaugurated Bauchi State  Education Steering  Committee, explained that the establishment of the committee is a testimony of his administration’s unwavering commitment to providing quality education to every child in the state and the need to adapt to changing educational paradigm by ensuring effective learning and the acquisition of relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies.

Governor Mohammed said the terms of reference of the  committee are to undertake specific actions that will promote quality education (school attendance, transition and completion) in the State, including (Islamic, Quranic and Tsangaya Education), Nomadic and Second chance education at the local government and state levels.

He said the committee is expected to build partnership with relevant bodies for collaborative efforts and actions in the promotion of all citizens   education in the state and to ensure that  education issues are on the front banner of  government agencies in the State.

Others, he added, is to embark on  high level advocacy to the state government and relevant decision makers and to initiate and implement State Enrolment drive activities at the Local Government and State levels, monitoring and evaluation of  school projects and activities, to take responsibility for the effective implementation of the State education plans and to source for funds from donor agencies and other relevant organisations to supplement government effort in funding the education sector.

“I have no doubt that   members of this Steering  Committee are fervent supporters of educational reform in addition to being authorities in their respective disciplines. 

“Your selection to serve on the Committee is therefore based on your record of success, your commitment to the socio-economic development of the State and determination to make sure that no child is left behind in the acquisition of knowledge.

“Our goal as a government is to make Bauchi State a centre of educational excellence, where every kid has the chance to obtain a top-notch education that equips them with  the capacity to face the challenges of the 21st century.  To achieve this goal we must work together tirelessly, leveraging your expertise, innovative ideas and a shared vision for a brighter tomorrow.”

Governor Mohammed then appealed to members of the committee to bring to  bear, their wealth of  knowledge and experience in the  discharge of their assignment, and assured the committee of government’s support and guidance through the Ministry of Education that will fast-track its performance towards ensuring that all children are back to school to be given quality basic education.