Our reporter
The United Nations Children’s Education Fund has constructed, renovated classrooms, provided instructional materials, and put in place other educational materials in over 125 schools in Adamawa State within three years.
UNICEF Education Consultant Bauchi field office, Mr Joel Jutum, made this known during the flag-off of the distribution of instructional materials and school games facilities in Yola on Friday,
He said that his organisation’s investment in education, especially in the northeast is meant to ensure that all children return to school after the insurgency experience witnessed in the area.
Jutum added, “UNICEF in partnership with our generous donors, including the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau, Global Partnership for Education, Education Cannot Wait, Norwegian Embassy Towards Safe School Initiative Program and the 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.
“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 has made this initiative possible with their generous support that enables UNICEF to create an environment where every child can fulfil their potential and contribute positively to our society.”
The UNICEF boss pointed out that the goal of UNICEF extends beyond just enrolling children into schools but also aims 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.
The items that were distributed included – branded school bags for 343,942 children, recreational kits for 247,877 children, exercise books for 165,053 girls, Early Childhood Development 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.
According to him, the educational resources were provided to support UNICEF in its 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 the community.
He stated, “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.
“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 enrol in schools, retain, complete, and transit to the next level,”
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, who thanked UNICEF for promoting education in the state, said that the donations underscore the organisation’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the educational outcomes of Adamawa children.
He maintained that the materials will undoubtedly contribute to fostering a conducive learning environment for Adamawa students, empowering them with the tools they need to thrive academically.
The governor who was represented by his Special Adviser on Education, Mr Adamu Babakoi, maintained that the UNICEF 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.
He pointed out that education has been a top priority for the present administration, adding that the government has made significant strides in transforming the educational landscape of Adamawa State.
The governor said, “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 number of children roaming our streets.
“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.”
He insisted that the new policy in the Adamawa education sector has alleviated the stress on parents and guardians by allowing our students to focus on their studies and perform to the best of their abilities.
In his welcome remarks, the executive chairman of Adamawa State Universal Basic Education, Dr Murtala Umar, assured that his office will monitor the distribution to ensure that there is no diversion of the materials to the market.
He urged the benefiting schools to take advantage of the donations to ensure that their students get the best educational training.