The State Government Committee constituted by Governor Muhammadu Yahaya to investigate the vandalisation of facilities in public schools across Gombe State has expressed concern over what it described as poor handling and reporting of theft and vandalism by some school managements.
Speaking on Saturday after an engagement with education stakeholders in Gombe Local Government Area, the Chairman of the Committee, Malam Aliyu Kamara, stressed the need for proper documentation and record-keeping of activities within and around schools.
“We observed with concern that some cases of vandalism and theft of school property are not being reported to security agencies for proper investigation and possible prosecution,” Kamara said.
While noting that the committee would thoroughly review all reported and unreported cases to determine the level of complicity of those involved and recommend appropriate sanctions where necessary added, “This practice is unacceptable and undermines efforts to safeguard public assets.”
“The committee will examine all cases with a view to establishing responsibility, determining the extent of involvement and recommending appropriate sanctions, including prosecution, wherever wrongdoing is established,” he added.
During its engagement with local government officials and traditional rulers, the committee appealed for credible and useful information to aid it in effectively discharging its mandate.
Responding on behalf of district and village heads, the Senior District Head of Gombe, Alhaji Bappah Mohammed, commended Governor Yahaya for setting up the committee.
“We appreciate His Excellency for deeming it necessary to constitute this committee,” he said. “The traditional institutions will give it all the needed support and cooperation to ensure it succeeds.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of Gombe Local Government Council, Barrister Sani Haruna, who was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Mohammed Manga, described the committee’s assignment as critical to protecting government investment in education.
“The mandate of this committee is imperative for the success of the huge spending by government in the education sector.
“While it is the responsibility of government to provide infrastructure and teachers, it is also the collective obligation of communities to protect and preserve these facilities for present and future generations,”
The committee later proceeded on inspection visits to Jalo Waziri, Jekadafari, Herwagana and Nasarawo Primary and Junior Secondary Schools as part of its assessment of the extent of vandalisation in the area.
Pix: Vandalised schools in Gombe LGA. Photos credit: Chima Azubuike
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