Gombe: BESDA enrols 110,000 children in learning centres

Not fewer than 11,100 children have been enrolled in various schools Gombe state under the Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) initiative just as the State Governor, Alhaji  Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has reiterated his administration’s commitment towards creating enabling environment for the girl-child and providing quality education for them.

The Governor gave the indication during his visit to a girl-child learning centre being manned by Better Education Service Delivery for All,  BESDA at Sangaruyel, in Bajoga,  Funakaye Local Government area.

Inuwa Yahaya who expressed delight with the reduction of ‘out-of-school’ children and the level of enrollment since the commencement of BESDA project in the state, vowed to continue to support the programme to ensure that children roaming the streets are returned to the classrooms.

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He also said that in addition to the provision of teaching and learning materials, Government will soon commence free feeding programme at all the BESDA learning centres in the state to motivate the pupils.

The Governor interacted with the learners where he counselled them on dedication and determination to succeed, making reference to some female Commissioners on his entourage who have bagged Doctorate degrees in various fields and who can serve as role models for the girl-child.

Earlier, the state Commissioner of Education, Dr Habu Dahiru told the Governor that the girl-child centre at Sangaruyel has more than 85 girls attending.

The Governor also visited an Almajiri learning centre at Tsangayan Malam Bappah, in Bajoga with 76 learners, including some adults taking advantage of the programme to acquire Western knowledge taking time to interact with the learners.

At the end of it all, the Governor expressed satisfaction that BESDA has  surpassed its target of 67,000 and achieved 110,000 enrollment, charging the body not to relent until all ‘out of school children’ are mopped up and brought back to the classrooms.

The BESDA Coordinator, Dr. Abdullahi Bappah Garkuwa said that they currently have more than 110,000 learners across the state , with 118 girl-child centers and 783 Almajiri learning centres as contained in a statement by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity to the Governor.