UNICEF has made significant investments in education in Adamawa State, constructing and renovating classrooms, providing instructional materials, and supporting over 125 schools in the past three years.
According to Mr. Joel Jutum, UNICEF Education Consultant in Bauchi, the organization aims to ensure all children in the northeast region return to school following the insurgency.
Speaking at the launch of the distribution of instructional materials and school games facilities in Yola, Jutum highlighted UNICEF’s commitment to supporting education in the region.
Jutum noted, “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.”
The UNICEF official emphasized that the organization’s objective goes beyond just enrolling children in schools. It also focuses on ensuring regular attendance, retaining students throughout their education, and facilitating smooth transitions between educational levels.
Additionally, UNICEF aims to improve the quality of education and reduce the financial burden of education on parents. To achieve this, UNICEF distributed various educational materials, including school bags, recreational kits, exercise books, Early Childhood Development Kits, and assorted stationery items.
These resources, distributed across 931 public schools in the state, aim to support UNICEF’s mission of reducing the number of out-of-school children, increasing retention rates, and ensuring every child completes their education.
He elaborated, “When children have the necessary tools for learning, they are more likely to stay in school and engage actively in their education. With these items, we are promoting this cause in Adamawa State.
“Education is not a privilege but a fundamental right of every child. As we distribute these materials, we call on the Adamawa State government and other partners to continue strengthening our collaboration to ensure that more children enrol in schools, retain, complete, and transit to the next level,”
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri expressed his gratitude to UNICEF for their dedication to improving education in Adamawa State.
He acknowledged that the donated materials demonstrate UNICEF’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the educational outcomes of Adamawa’s children.
The governor, represented by his Special Adviser on Education, Mr. Adamu Babakoi, emphasized that these resources will create a supportive learning environment, empowering students to excel academically.
He highlighted that UNICEF’s contribution aligns with the state government’s priority on education, aiming to ensure equal access to quality education for all children, regardless of gender, ability, religion, or background.
The governor noted that his administration has made significant progress in transforming the state’s educational landscape, and UNICEF’s support is a valuable investment in this endeavor.
The governor highlighted, “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.”
The governor emphasized that the new education policy in Adamawa has greatly reduced the burden on parents and guardians, allowing students to concentrate on their studies and reach their full potential.
Meanwhile, Dr. Murtala Umar, Executive Chairman of Adamawa State Universal Basic Education, pledged to closely monitor the distribution of educational materials to prevent any diversion or misuse.
He encouraged the beneficiary schools to maximize the benefits of these donations, ensuring their students receive the best possible education.
