Yemi Obafemi
As part of efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children, The United Nations Children’s Education Fund has donated vital educational resources to Adamawa state schools.
UNICEF Education Consultant Bauchi field office, Mr Joel Jutum, revealed this during the flag-off of the distribution of instructional materials and school games facilities in Yola on Friday,
The educational resources that were distributed included – branded school bags for 343,942 children, recreational kits for 247,877 children, exercise books for 165,053 girls, Early Childhood Development Kits for 7,400 children and 370 teachers, as well as assorted pens, erasers, rulers, and sharpeners for 129, 281 children schooling in 931 public schools across the state.
Jutum said the items that were distributed would enhance students performaces and enable them to engage actively in their education.
According to him, UNICEF with its donors has constructed and renovated classrooms, and installed perimeter fences, toilets, and instructional facilities across 125 schools in the state from 2021 to date.
“UNICEF in partnership with our generous donors, including the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau, Global Partnership for Education, Education Cannot Wait, Norwegian Embassy Towards Safe School Initiative Program and the Adamawa State government constructed and renovated classrooms, and installed perimeter fences, toilets, and instructional facilities across 125 schools in the state from 2021 to date.
“Today marks a significant moment in our collective journey towards ensuring every child in Adamawa has access to quality education and learning opportunities.
“It is with great pleasure and a profound sense of responsibility that we gather here for the flag-off of the distribution of essential learning materials.
“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our partner, the KFW of the Government of Germany who has made this initiative possible with their generous support that enables UNICEF to create an environment where every child can fulfil their potential and contribute positively to our society,” Jutum added.
The state Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, also thanked UNICEF for promoting education in the state.
Fintiri who was represented by his Special Adviser on Education, Mr Adamu Babakoi, urged the benefiting schools to take advantage of the donations to ensure that their students get the best educational training.
He pointed said the government has made significant strides in transforming the educational landscape of Adamawa State.
“Free Education at the Basic Level: We have ensured that every child in the state has access to free and quality education at the basic level. This initiative has significantly increased school enrollment, thereby reducing the number of children roaming our streets.
“Payment of WAEC, NECO and now BECE (National Exams): Our government has taken the responsibility of paying for WAEC, NECO, and BECE national examinations for our students,” he said
He insisted that the new policy in the Adamawa education sector has alleviated the stress on parents and guardians by allowing our students to focus on their studies and perform to the best of their abilities.
In his welcome remarks, the executive chairman of Adamawa State Universal Basic Education, Dr Murtala Umar, assured that his office will monitor the distribution to ensure that there is no diversion of the materials to the market.
