We remain committed to providing equal education opportunities to children — Bauchi govt

The Bauchi State Government has reiterated its commitment to providing equal educational opportunities for nomadic children, ensuring they receive the same quality of education as other children.

This was stated by the Executive Secretary of the Bauchi State Agency for Nomadic Education (BASANE), Alhaji Ahmad Abdullahi Bello, during a send-forth ceremony for nomadic children held at Government Girls’ Secondary School, Yana, in Shira LGA.

During the programme, over 1,000 nomadic children across the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state benefited from the recently concluded Nomadic Vacation Courses, an initiative aimed at improving access to quality education for nomadic communities.

According to the BASANE Executive Secretary, the vacation courses focused on foundational subjects such as English and Mathematics, which are critical for careers in science, engineering, and the social sciences—fields essential for national development.

He expressed appreciation to parents, traditional leaders, local government authorities, and other stakeholders for their support in making the programme a success.

He particularly commended the participation of girls in the programme and urged parents to encourage their daughters to complete their education and pursue careers of their choice for the overall progress of the nation.

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The Executive Secretary further pledged that the agency would continue to identify and reach underserved areas of the state to establish schools where needed.

Bello also stated that the Nomadic Vacation Courses marked a significant stride in the state’s efforts to bridge the education gap for nomadic communities and foster a more inclusive educational environment in Bauchi State.

The Executive Chairperson of Shira LGA, Alhaji Babangida Abdullahi Ishaq, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to aligning with Governor Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad’s educational priorities, especially in expanding access to nomadic education.

Represented by his Special Adviser on Students and Education, Umar Sarki Dango, the chairperson pledged collaboration with nomadic leaders, traditional rulers, and religious figures to promote education for the nomadic girl-child and reduce the number of out-of-school children in the area.

Also speaking, Babangida Umar Isawa, Financial Consultant to the Chairman of Giade LGA, reiterated his council’s readiness to invest significant resources in girl-child education to promote gender equality.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore in Shira LGA, Alhaji Muhammadu Ore, applauded the state government for restoring hope among nomadic communities by providing inclusive education through BASANE.

He assured the association’s full support in achieving the agency’s objectives, noting that children had benefited from both educational and health support during the vacation courses.

In her remarks, the Principal of Government Girls’ Secondary School, Yana, Mrs. Salina Bala, highlighted that the girls also received training in menstrual hygiene during the programme, which enhanced their personal sanitation and well-being.

She praised the students’ performance and commended their impressive grasp of the subjects taught.

One of the standout participants, Rukayya Sale from Tudun Wada Primary School, who received the award for best performance, attributed her success to dedication, focus, and commitment.

She encouraged other children to embrace education, describing knowledge as the most powerful tool for personal and community development.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE