The Emir of Zazzau Suleja, Mallam Muhammad Auwal Ibrahim, has called on the Niger State Government to prioritise education, particularly within the Suleja emirate.
The Emir made this appeal yesterday during a school enrolment campaign led by the Chairman of the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB), Malam Muhammad Baba Ibrahim. The campaign visited Suleja, Tafa, and Gurara local government areas.
He expressed concern over the neglect of education in the emirate, highlighting the dilapidated state of school structures and facilities. Represented by the District Head of Kwamba and Sarkin Fadan Suleja, Alhaji Suleiman Musa Sauƙi, the Emir emphasised the urgent need for attention to schools, particularly the renowned Suleiman Barau Technical College Suleja. He noted that the college not only provides education but also imparts vocational skills, fostering future self-reliance among students.
The Emir commended the efforts of the state governor, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, in developing various sectors of the state. He also praised the Chairman of NSUBEB and his team for reviving the annual school enrolment drive, pledging his support for the campaign.
During the interaction, other stakeholders urged the government to reconsider the closure of Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS) Sabon Wuse, Government Girls Arabic Secondary School (GGASS), and Government Science College Izom, with the aim of reopening them.
At Gawu Babangida, the headquarters of Gurara local government, the council chairman, Hon. Abdulhalim Abubakar, revealed that out of over 90 primary schools in the local government, only three to four are conducive for teaching and learning. He cited teachers' welfare and the dilapidation of school structures as major challenges, appealing to NSUBEB for intervention while appreciating Governor Bago's developmental efforts.
Addressing stakeholders at the Emir's Palace in Suleja and the district heads' palaces in Sabon Wuse and Gawu Babangida, the Chairman of NSUBEB, Malam Muhammad Baba Ibrahim, emphasised the importance of education. He noted that the Emir of Zazzau Suleja, Mallam Auwal Ibrahim, was the first civilian governor of the state due to his educational background. He assured that the board is working to enhance teachers' welfare and provide a conducive learning environment, but stressed that without increased student enrolment, these efforts would be in vain.