Challenges of revamping educational sector in Yobe State
After the swearing in of Governor Mai Mala Buni as the Governor of Yobe State, he took on the mandate to revive education. The governor established a task force committee under the leadership of Professor Muhammad Daura, who presented the findings on education to the governor on August 5, 2019.
Following the outcome of these findings, it was decided that new primary and secondary schools would be constructed, while some existing schools would undergo rehabilitation. The state government also promised to provide adequate learning equipment and facilities, offer special training for teachers, and consider promotions for them all to revamp the educational sector of the state.
Unfortunately, despite these promises, there have been no reported promotions for the teachers. Furthermore, there is a need to address the construction of new science schools, which the governor lamented about establishing in every senatorial zone.
Recently, the government launched a financial appeal for the revival of education at the state level, building on the initiatives of each local government and the joint efforts of youth groups and other organisations. The total sum collected from the appeal account was 25 billion naira in 2019.
However, it appears that the Yobe state government has not effectively utilized these funds to improve the educational system in the state. For instance, the Government Secondary School (GSS) DAMATURU remains a boarding school without adequate learning materials. The quality of food provided to students is also subpar. Also, Injiwaji Primary School Damaturu faces issues of severe overcrowding, with up to 100 or 110 students in a single class, making learning challenging. Additionally, a shortage of educational materials and furniture further hampers the learning process.
The Government Girls Unity College Damaturu, another boarding school in the town, also lacks proper conditions for learning and growth.
Government Day Secondary School Damaturu suffers from a lack of learning materials, despite having over 100 or 120 students in a single class.
The above-mentioned issues are not limited to the state capital alone; all 17 local governments in the state face similar challenges with their schools.
It was reported that the Yobe State Education Appeal Fund has collected a substantial sum of 25 billion naira. The citizens demand transparency and accountability regarding the allocation and utilisation of these funds.
Above all, democracy is a government for the people, and every responsible government must prioritise education.
Also, citizen deserves to know where those educational funds are channelled. Besides, the Yobe state government acted past to save our education sector from total deterioration.
Ibrahim Abubakar, Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri.
