By Marian Okpe- Abuja
In what appears to be a more concerted and deliberate effort towards ameliorating the downward educational trend in northern Nigeria, Northern Elders gathered at the Idris Abubakar auditorium of the National University Commission (NUC) to take a closer look at the gross backwardness of the level of education within their region. The one-day conference which was tagged, “Education in Northern Nigeria: Status, Challenges and the way forward” was not only apt but drew participants from highly distinguished ppersonalities, including the Vice President of the Federal republic of Nigeria, H. E. Sen. Kashim Shettima, GCON and the Minister of Education, Hon Tahir Mamman, the Hon Minister of Budget and Planning, H. E. Atiku Bagudu and the Hon Minister of State for Education.
Others present at the occasion were, His Eminence, Alhaji Mohammadu Sa’ad Abubakar II CFR the Sultan of Sokoto, the Emir of Kano, the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji (DR) Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, Prof Rukayatu,former Minister of Education, Commissioners of Education, Heads of various parastatals Founder and Convener of the one day programme, Engr. Vmsr, MNSE, MNIM among other dignitaries.
In his goodwilAbubakar Gambo
Thel Vice present of Nigeria, ably represented by Hakim Baba Ahmed, called on all Nigerians to be resolute and resilient in the face of daunting challenges as the present administration of President Bola Tinubu is poised to bring smiles on the faces of all Nigerians. He emphasized that the administration is also working assiduously towards ensuring good teaching and learning environment. While observing that it is an honour and privilege to be invited,the vice President observed that the convener is a man of vision who understands that education is the cornerstone upon which all other developments stands and values are inculcated.
He assured Nigerians that the government of his Principal, President Bola Tinubu was resolute at ensuring the total elimination of all security threats within the school system, and therefore will do all it takes to flush out criminal and cowardly elements undermining the security of schools especially in the Northern States.
He described the situation where about 70 million children below the age of 25 years are out of school as unacceptable and therefore called on participants to fashion out ready strategies which will not only take these yet untapped human resources back to school but will be presented at the National Economic Council for implementation. He appreciated all the organizers for being mindful of the welfare of the people, adding that it is worthwhile sharing with people whatever Allah has bestowed on one.
According to the Chairman Organizing Committee of the conference, HE. Sen. Ibrahim Shekarau, one of the objectives of the conference was to collaborate with the Northern State governors towards finding lasting solution, in line with the conference research report, to the consistent falling standard of education within the region. He emphasized the need to follow-up on the decisions of the conference and ensure that the results become obvious.
Speaking to newsmen at the end of the conference, the convener, Engr Gambo, expressed optimism that all the recommendations of the conference will be fully implemented.
In the same vain, the governor of Niger State, Aliyu Baba Babangida, assured Nigerians that all the recommendations will be implemented. Noting that, the days of insecurity, poverty and such vices affecting education in the North was over. He emphasized that the difference between the present conference and others, is that in the instance, this conference was birthed out of a thorough painstaking research.
A communique was issued at the end of the conference.