Activities of scrap metal scavengers hindering education improvement

The Katsina State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has expressed concern over the activities of scrap metal scavengers, which it claims are hindering efforts to improve educational standards in the state.

Dr. Kabir Magaji, the Executive Chairman of the Board,, revealed this during a press briefing in Katsina, stating that the scavengers are damaging and stealing facilities that have been provided to schools.

“New facilities such as desks and chairs we provided in schools will not last six months; they are deliberately damaged and vandalised, then carted away as scrap by these scavengers. Even the doors and windows are not spared. The school fences are deliberately damaged to find routes of entering the schools without the knowledge of the watchmen,” Magaji lamented.

He called on the local community to be vigilant and monitor the activities of these scavengers, emphasizing that the school facilities are public property meant for their children.

Magaji added, “The government should not be blamed for not making such provisions. We are trying our best; but the public also needs to put in in their efforts and help the school watchmen safeguard the facilities.”

A Tribune correspondent reported that the activities of scrap metal scavengers have become a significant issue in Katsina. Local residents have also voiced their concerns about the menace, especially the increasing involvement of young children in the scrap trade.

Malam Bala, a Katsina, resident, described it as a disturbing trend and noted that children as young as school age are seen roaming the streets as early as 6:00 a.m. in search of metal items like iron rods, rubber, armoured cables, and aluminium objects.

“Sometimes these children even jump into uncompleted buildings to destroy lintels and steal iron rods,” he added.

Bala called on the government to either ban the scrap metal trade or introduce strict regulations to control the activities of these scavengers.

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