From Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
Chairman,Sokoto State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Umar Nagwari Tambuwal, has expressed concerns over how the harsh economy is taking its toll on the teaching and learning process in Nigerian schools lately.
Tambuwal, who lamented that the hike in fuel has increased inflation in all ramifications, added that both teachers and students now bear the brunts, thus increasing depression and lack of concentration.
“”Let me just come back a little, when you talk about teachers not going to work, there are a lot of factors. Now, the economic situation in the country is too hard. Where you used to pay N200 or N300 before as transport has now tripled to as much as N1000 or more.
“”The teachers also have families and other dependants to cater for. And the question now is how much is their salaries?
“”So, that is greatly affecting the learning process in the whole nation. The economic situation is biting hard”.
Tambuwal, while appealing for understanding especially from those in the education sector, reaffirmed that the Sokoto state government is doing its best to improve the situation.
Responding to question on insurgency contributing greatly to school dropouts in Sokoto, the SUBEB chairman said, areas affected by banditry such as the Eastern Senatorial axis of the state certainly recorded dropouts because of misplacement.
He however added that the situation has greatly improved and that the situation of school age IDP dropouts in the state would soon be a thing of the past as they have inaugurated a committee in that regards.
“”Yes, we have inaugurated a committee recently to look after these pupils roaming about on the streets. We are about to submit our report to the governor anytime soon.
“”In the report, we recommended finding a conducive atmosphere for them to stay, and then give them the right of education, because each child in Nigeria is supposed to have free basic education.
“”Though, the challenge which we also recommended is that these school age IDP children if assembled in a place to study, they must be given food because they have no parents.
“‘We are also partnering with donors and NGOs like UNICEF, Agile, and others. They are ready to come and join the process so that together we can make the situation better””, Tambuwal enthused.
The Sokoto state SUBEB chairman said that teachers welfare is a great priority to him hence he is doing all within his powers to ensure that the teachers are comfortable to deliver their best.
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