The Dodo of Wawa district in Borgu emirate of Niger state, Dr. Mahmud Ahmad Aliyu, has stated that parents bear a significant portion of the blame for the high number of out-of-school children in our societies.
Dr. Aliyu made this declaration during a visit by the Niger State school enrolment campaign team to New Bussa, Borgu Local Government Area. He emphasised that the days of ignorance about the importance of education are over.
He noted that in this digital age, even if parents did not attend formal school, there is likely someone close to the family who has, and the benefits of their education are evident. Dr. Aliyu urged parents to take advantage of government-provided school facilities and enrol their children without needing to be prompted, as it benefits the child, the family, and the community.
The traditional leader also called on parents to monitor their children's school progress and provide the necessary support for their success, pledging the support of traditional leaders for the enrolment drive.
Similarly, the council Chairman of Borgu Local Government , Hon. Suleiman Yarima, represented by the vice chairman, expressed gratitude to the enrolment campaign team for their efforts to sensitise the community on the importance of education. He promised to ensure that the message reaches all parts of the local government.
In Kontagora local government, the team visited the Palace of the Emir of Kontagora, Alhaji Muhammadu Mu'azu Barau II. The Ubandoman Kontagora, Alhaji Yusuf Mohammed, who represented the Emir, appreciated the school enrolment campaign team led by NSUBEB Chairman, Malam Muhammad Baba Ibrahim. He suggested that the state government assist parents with school items, such as exercise books, due to the current economic situation, and promised the emirate council's support.
Additionally, the council chairman of Mariga Local Government Area, Hon. Abbas Adamu, called on parents and well-to-do individuals to support the education of less privileged children, sharing his own experience of benefiting from education despite losing his father at a young age. He recounted how his uncle supported his education, which eventually led to his position as council chairman.
The team also visited Agwara Local Government, where they interacted with education stakeholders at the palace of Sarkin Agwara, Alhaji Hassan Zakari Jikantoro.