Knowledge rules today’s world where everything is changing rapidly considering the constant growth in science, technology and even the way we relate and socialize with one another.
This must be why Governor Umaru Tanko Al-makura in his wisdom and foresight declared free education in primary and secondary schools in Nasarawa state. This decision is very commendable.
Hon. Commissioner Sir, I know you as a man of integrity and transparency. I, therefore, believe you will do anything humanly possible to protect and defend your integrity and good office as Hon. Commissioner of Education in the state.
It will interest you to know that some enemies of progress have resolved to abuse this laudable policy of the Administration of His Excellency, Governor Umaru Tanko Al-makura on education.
At present, almost every school in Nasarawa State receives money ranging from N1000-N4000 from poor students depending on the location of the schools. This is in violation of the decision of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, and a contradiction of your recent announcement that all parents should pay N250 only as PTA fee.
There is no doubt that the introduction of free education in primary and secondary schools of the state has increased enrollment in our schools and built confidence among citizens in the administration of Governor Umaru Tanko Al-makura. This is an indication that Government is up and doing in the provision of accessible and affordable education in Nasarawa State. This is praise worthy.
In the past, most of these poor and helpless school children loitered from one place to another because they could not afford school fees. They were being made to believe increasingly that schools are not meant for them.
The problem confronting the educational sector in Nasarawa State is not to the issues raised above. It is an eyesore in almost all our schools and tertiary institutions that we lack adequate manpower. This has negative consequence on the numbers of students and graduates our schools produce.
Nelson Mandela of blessed memory stated that “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. It serves as a gateway to opportunities and better options in our contemporary society. Education leads to success and broadens our minds for positive change. It is a measure of hope and a pathway to progress. I can go on and on to stress the importance of education.
The duty of the Ministry of Education should not only be to hand out contracts and sign correspondences. Officials of the ministry should go perimeter fence of the ministry to see whether or not financial allocations, instructional materials and sundry inputs are actually getting to the right hands, as well as making sure that our schools are not understaffed. By doing so, the ministry of education will not only know what is going on, but will also be in full control of issues at hand.
As a Concerned Citizen and progressive who is directly affected because of pay the schools fees of my siblings I have no option than to passionately appeal to you and your good office to instruct all schools authorities that have received money from parents since the declaration of free education by his Excellency, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State to refund the money and address other issues raised in this write up as a matter of urgency.
This will no doubt promote tour well-earned integrity and attraction in the state and further endear the Governor to the citizenry.
Thanking you in anticipation of your prompt and positive action.
HONOURABLE COMRADE ABUBAKAR IDRIS ADAMU,
Former Special Assistant to the Executive Chairman of Doma Local Government Council on Information & Ethical Orientation,
08039553220.
