Why we declared emergency in  education – Bauchi Gov

From Paul Orude Bauchi

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has explained the decision to declare a state of emergency in the education sector.

Mohammed said the focus of his administration was on modernizing the curriculum of the state to instill a Bauchi first consciousness and foster digital literacy. 

The governor gave the explanation on Friday when he performed a ground breaking flag off ceremony of construction of the 2.6 kilometre road project at the Bauchi State University, Gadau main campus which would gulp the sum of N1.8 billion.

Mohammed  explained that the emergency  encompassed a grand scheme that envisioned Bauchi State as a hub for education tourism.

He said the strategy would draw from a rich pool of resources and partnership to produce a globally recognized educational system that would produce competent and knowledgeable manpower.

He said his administration placed premium  on education hence had taken significant strides to enhance the welfare of students and teachers.

The administration  had also taken several measures to improve the infrastructure across educational institutions in the state, he added.

“Since the inception of our administration in 2019, our commitment to education has been unwavering,” he said 

According to him, the commitment of the administration to education is reflected in the various policies and programmes implemented so far.

​”In implementing new policies, particularly leveraging technology and robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, we have successfully reduced waste and corruption in our educational system,” he stated.

“The tangible results are evident, with the rate of candidates passing WAEC and NECO exams with at least 5 credits, skyrocketing from 30% in 2019 to an impressive 80% in the current academic session.

“In our pursuit of accessible primary education, we have undertaken the construction of over 5000 classrooms thereby creating an environment conducive to learning for our young minds. 

“In recognition of the pivotal role teachers and administrators play, we have engaged in comprehensive training and capacity-building programs, forming partnerships with the Federal Government and donor agencies to uplift the standards of our educators.

“Sustainability and productivity are crucial for our state-owned institutions.

“To ensure this, we have consistently provided adequate funding, ensuring timely payment of salaries and pensions. Inclusivity has been a key focus, involving students, parents, school administrators, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders to actively participate in enhancing the quality of education and reducing the number of out-of-school children”

He said due to the economic challenges faced by parents, his administration  restored and increased scholarships for Bauchi State indigenes by 50 percent. 

“To facilitate students’ movement, we are embarking on a plan to provide Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles to offer free and subsidized transportation from schools to various strategic locations across the state,” he revealed 

“​In our commitment to fairness, the investment in educational reform and infrastructure will be distributed across higher institutions in the state.

“Additionally, we provided land and buildings to support the establishment of new institutions by the Federal Government in Azare and Jama’are. 

“While acknowledging these achievements, we recognize there is more work to be done. That is why we have established a Ministry of Higher Education and are planning an education summit. This summit will bring together experts from across the state and beyond to discuss critical issues, challenges, and solutions to provide us with a roadmap for the future.

The governor was optimistic that when the road is completed the main campus of the Bauchi State University, Gadau would wear a new look, feel the impact of good Governance and provide conducive Environment for learning. 

“We have engaged the services of a competent contractor, Messrs Habibu Engineering Nigerian Limited to execute this important project that would cost the government the sum of N1,817,595,378.83,” he disclosed.

“The project has a distance of 2.6km with stone base, Asphalt wearing course, storm water drainage and solar street lights. I have directed the Ministry of Works and transport to closely supervise the project from its commencement to completion”