By Correspondent in Minna.
Governor Umar Bago.
The Niger State Government has announced plans to reopen public schools in local government areas that have endured years of closure due to armed bandit attacks.
The State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Hadiza Asabe Mohammed, disclosed this in Minna during the unveiling of the government’s new education recovery plan. She said the initiative includes upgrading security infrastructure in schools affected by insecurity.
While commending UNICEF and other development partners for their technical support, Dr. Mohammed said the state is determined to address barriers to learning caused by insecurity.
Speaking at the dissemination meeting on “The Impact of Insecurity on Access to Education in Niger State” held at Haske Luxury Hotel, Minna, the Commissioner revealed that 29 previously closed schools have been reopened, while 20 others have been renovated after suffering damage.
She noted that the government would establish early warning systems in schools within high-risk areas and relocate institutions from dangerous zones to safer locations.
“As a government, we are committed to tackling the root causes of insecurity through social welfare programmes for conflict-affected households,” she said.
Earlier, UNICEF Nigeria’s Chief of Education, Vanessa Lee,represented by Education Specialist Mr. Believe Eke,emphasised the need for evidence-based policies to ensure quality education for children in conflict-affected communities.
In separate remarks, Education Secretaries of Shiroro and Rafi LGAs, Usaini Baba and Ahmed Madaki, reported that security in the eight LGAs previously under siege has improved significantly compared to three years ago.
Madaki disclosed that at the height of the crisis in Rafi LGA, 34 schools were shut down, but 24 have since reopened, with others relocated to safer areas.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
