… targets 300,000 school children with educational materials in Adamawa
Segun Babatunde, Bauchi
United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF),Bauchi Field Office, has emphasised that its commitment
extends beyond just enrolling children in school, but aims at ensuring attendance, retention, and a smooth transition from one
educational level to the next while enhancing the quality of
education as well as mitigating the indirect cost of education on
parents.
This was as the Agency also disclosed that over 390,000 schools children in Adamawa State are to be reached with learning materials to enable them concentrate on learning activities as the schools resume for a new season.
The Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Tushar Rane made the disclosure yesterday during the flag off for the distribution of learning materials for the 2024/2025 Academic Session in Adamawa state,held at Yola South Local Government Area.
According to him, “Our goal extends beyond just enrolling children in school. We aim to ensure attendance, retention, and a smooth transition from one educational level to the next while enhancing the quality of education as well as mitigating the indirect cost of education on parents.”
Represented by UNICEF Education Specialist in Adamawa state, Joel Jutum, Dr Tushar Rane stressed that,”Today, we are distributing learning items for children in Adamawa state. The items include branded school bags for 343,942 children, recreational kits for 247,877 children, exercise books for 165,053 girls, Early Childhood Development (ECD) Kits for 7,400 children and 370 teachers as well as assorted pens, erasers, rulers, and sharpeners for
129, 281 children schooling in 931 public schools across the state.”.
The UNICEF BFO CFO added that, “These educational resources are provided to support our collective mission of reducing the number of out-of-school children, increasing retention, facilitating transitions, and ensuring the completion of education for every child in our community.”
“When children have the necessary tools for learning, they are more likely to stay in school and engage actively in their education. With these items, we are promoting this cause in Adamawa state,” he added.
Tushar Rane further stated that, “Additionally, UNICEF in partnership with our generous donors, including Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KFW), Global Partnership for Education (GPE), Education Cannot Wait (ECW), Norwegian Embassy Towards Safe School Initiative Program (TSSIP), and Adamawa state government, constructed and renovated classrooms, and installed perimeter fences, toilets, and instructional facilities across 125 schools in the state from 2021 to date.”
He also stated that,”Education is not a privilege but a fundamental right of every child. As we distribute these materials, we call on the Adamawa state government, and other partners to continue strengthening our collaboration to ensure that more children enroll in schools, retain, complete, and transit to the next level.”
“To the teachers, parents, and caregivers here today, your support and involvement in your children’s education are invaluable.Together, we can create an environment where every child can fulfill their potential and contribute positively to society through qualitative education. These materials must reach the intended beneficiaries and be used for their rightful purpose,” he added.
He further stated that,”We urge you to regularly monitor and supervise the distribution and utilization of these materials within your respective areas of responsibility and promptly report any instances of misuse or suspicion of diversion to the appropriate authorities.”
According to him, “Today marks a significant moment in our collective journey towards ensuring every child in Adamawa has access to quality education and learning opportunities. It is with great pleasure and a profound sense of responsibility that we gather here for the flag-off of the distribution of essential learning materials.”
“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our partner, the KFW of the Government of Germany who have made this initiative possible with their generous support that enables UNICEF to create an environment
where every child can fulfill their potential and contribute positively to society.”
Tushar Rane concluded stating that, “Your Excellency, while commending your commitment to improving the education sector in Adamawa state, we encourage you to prioritize the approval of the release of Adamawa State Government counterpart contribution for the implementation of all Basic Education and Education in Emergency interventions in the state. We call on Your Excellency to expedite the domestication of the 1-9-3-4 System of Education and ensure the equitable distribution of teachers and educational resources based on pupils’ enrollment in the state.”
In his address, Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri said that the event marked a critical step forward in the shared commitment to enhancing the quality of education for school children and securing a brighter future for them.
Represented by Dr. Adamu Babikoi,
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Education, the Governor said that, “First and foremost, I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to UNICEF for their unwavering support and generous contribution. Your efforts have included building and renovating classrooms, supplying educational materials, and supporting capacity building at various levels.”
He added that,”Your dedication to the education sector in Adamawa State is not only commendable but also inspiring. These learning materials will undoubtedly play a crucial role in empowering our young minds and ensuring they have the necessary tools to succeed in their educational journey.”
Umaru Finitri added that,”Education has always been a top priority for our administration, and we have made significant strides in transforming the educational landscape of Adamawa State.”
“Allow me to highlight some of the key achievements we have accomplished together: Free Education at the Basic Level: We have ensured that every child in the State has access to free and quality education at the basic level. This initiative has significantly increased school enrollment thereby reducing the children roaming our streets,” he stressed.
The Governor added that”Payment of WAEC, NECO and now BECE (National Exams): Our government has taken the responsibility of paying for WAEC, NECO and BECE national examinations for our students. This move has alleviated the stress on parents and guardians, allowing our students to focus on their studies and perform to the best of their abilities. There is no house which has not benefited from these good will gesture directly or indirectly.*
Another thing is “Renovation of Legacy Secondary Schools: We have embarked on a comprehensive renovation program for all legacy secondary schools in Adamawa State. These renovations have provided a conducive learning environment, ensuring our students and teachers have the facilities they need to excel.”
He also stated that,”Construction of Mega Schools: In our quest to accommodate the growing number of students and provide state-of-the-art educational facilities, we are constructing mega schools in all 21 local governments.”
The Governor stressed that, “These schools are designed to offer modern amenities and resources that will foster a culture of academic excellence and holistic development where the students will be well-versed in the digital skills required in today’s world. This initiative prepares them for future challenges and opportunities in the global economy.”
According to him,”All these efforts we are making are not in-vein, we are seeing the results reflecting on the performance of our children in national exams, previously we were far far behind but in recent time the state came second in a national exams, this is an encouragement and inspiration to do more and more.”
“We shall soon em-back on the construction/establishment of three (3) Vocational Training Colleges; one in each senatorial district, and for the purpose of gender sensitivity and social inclusiveness, one of these colleges will be dedicated to female gender. My government has come to give skills to not only the boys but also our daughters,”he assured.
Umaru Finitri added that,”The intention of empowering women folk is reflected in our effort to convince all nominated council chairmen to pick women as their vice chairmen, we indeed sensitive to the plight of women and children.”
“Additionally, on Teacher Training and Development: Recognizing that our teachers are the backbone of our education system, this administration shall continue to invest more in improving the capacity of our teachers through training and re-training them with 21st century pedagogical methodologies and skills to deliver quality education to our students,” The Governor further said.
He also stated that,”As we distribute these essential teaching and learning materials (TLMs) today, we are taking another significant step towards achieving our vision of a literate, informed, and empowered Adamawa State. These materials will enhance the learning experience of our children and contribute to their academic success.”
The Governor added that,”I want to reiterate our profound gratitude to UNICEF for their continued partnership and support. Your contributions have made a tremendous impact on the lives of our children and the overall development of our education sector.”
He concluded stating that,”Finally, I want to assure the people of Adamawa State that our commitment to education remains unwavering. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that every child in our state has access to quality education and the opportunity to realize their full potential.”
Earlier in his Welcome address, Executive Chairman ADSUBEB, Yola, Dr. Murtala Umar Babayi said that the donation of school bags and other essential learning materials underscores UNICEF’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the educational outcomes of our children here in Adamawa State.
He stressed that, “These materials will undoubtedly contribute to fostering a conducive learning environment for our students, empowering them with the tools they need to thrive academically.”
He added that, “We are deeply grateful to UNICEF for their steadfast support and partnership in advancing the cause of education in our dear state. Your contribution is an investment that seeks to ensure that every child has equitable access to quality education irrespective of gender, ability, religion, political and cultural affiliation.”
Murtala Babayi added that,”To His Excellency and all our distinguished guests, your presence here today is a testament to your dedication to education and your commitment to the well-being of our children. We look forward to your continued support for a brighter future for the next generation.*
He then assured the Governor that, “Your mission and vision on primary and secondary education will continue to be our drive at SUBEB till every school going child in Adamawa state is given an equal chance to access quality education under your watch.”
He concluded saying, “Let me at this juncture restate that these learning materials are not for sale and so we at the Board will have zero tolerance in the event where these material are seen in any business/commercial area.’
