Politics

Inclusive data more than just numbers — Bauchi Commissioner

Bauchi State Commissioner of Education, Dr Jamila Mohammed Dahiru has stated that inclusive data is more than just numbers; it represents the diverse experiences and needs of every individual within the population.

The Commissioner was speaking at the commemoration of the 2024 World Population Day held at the Conference Hall of the Abubakar Umar Secretariat, Bauchi on Thursday.

“By leveraging accurate and comprehensive data, we can make informed decisions that will ensure equitable access to vital services including education, health, power, and water. These ultimately foster a more resilient society.

“This annual global event serves as a crucial reminder for nations to reflect deeply on the complex interplay between population dynamics and sustainable development. It is a day to examine how population trends can influence our efforts to create equitable and prosperous societies.”

The Commissioner added that Population growth brings both opportunities and challenges stating that, “On one hand, a growing population can lead to a vibrant and dynamic society, filled with potentials for innovation and economic growth. On the other hand, it can strain our resources and infrastructure if not managed carefully.”

“This is more reflective in the field of education. As the number of ou students increases, we must delve into crucial investments in educational facilities, teacher recruitment, and training, as well as the provision of other learning resources geared toward ensuring reliable Inclusive education data for effective planning and decision-making in the state.

“Inclusive data plays a pivotal role in this endeavor. By collecting and analysing data that reflects the diverse experiences of our population, we can identify gaps and target our interventions more effectively.

“For example, data on school attendance, dropout rates, and academic performance help us understand the barriers faced by different groups of our students and thus develop strategies to address them. This data-driven approach ensures that our policies are grounded in reality and designed to the specific needs of our communities,” she added.

In his remarks, Commissioner, Ministry of Budget, Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination, Aminu Hammayo commended UNFPA for its support to the State Government towards improving human existence.

Represented by the Director, Donor Coordination, Usman Mohammed, the Commissioner said data is being collated especially that of women for proper planning.

He assured that the Ministry will continue to cooperate with UNFPA in ensuring that accurate data is always available to enhance proper planning and implementation of policies and programmes.

The celebration was organised by the Bauchi State Office of the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) in conjunction with relevant agencies and stakeholders.

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