NEWS UPDATE;ov Fintiri Flags-Off Distribution of Educational Materials, Equipment for LGAs Most Affected by Insurgency.

By Barnabas Augustine

8/9/2019

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has flagged-off the distribution of instructional and learning materials provided by Adamawa State Education Programme Investment Project Additional Finance (ADSEPIP-AF) and Multi-Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP) for use in seven Local Government Areas of Adamawa State which are most affected by the insurgency.

In a grand ceremony that was held at the venue of the distribution, ADAEPIP-AF State Project Technical Support Unit office, Jimeta, Governor Fintiri explained that his administration is aware that the overall philosophy on education is articulated as an instrument for National Development and Social-Coexistence. “Education at whatever level especially the basic level maximizes the creative potentials and skills of the individual for self-fulfilment and generated development of the society; and that informed our decision to prioritize Education”, Governor Fintiri stated.  

While highlighting the reasons why his administration adopted a free education policy, Governor Fintiri said that:

“Education is compulsory and a right of every citizens irrespective of gender, age, social background or religious disposition. “It is therefore expected to be qualitative, comprehensive, functional and targeted towards the needs of the society”.

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri applauded the initiatives of the World Bank in providing quality education. He therefore call on all support projects and components in the education sector to join his administration in restoring the lost glory of the education sector.

The Governor assured that his administration will extend the programme to other LGAs that are yet to benefit from it.

“The fact still remains that the other Local Government Areas yet to benefit will also be carried along”, Governor Fintiri emphasized.

“I have directed the engagement of consultants to take stock of educational need for immediate intervention, and in addition prevailed on ADSEPIP to commence capacity building for Educational Managers, Teachers, Instructors for maximum impact”.

Earlier in her welcoming address, the Permanent  Secretary Ministry of Education Haj. Aishatu Abubakar Umar said that ADSEPIP and MCRP is an initiatives of the World Bank funded multi-sectoral intervention project in line with the state approved work plan for recovery in the Education sector.

Haj. Umar added that the teaching/learning materials and several other equipment were  procured by ADSEPIP and MCRP for distribution in both Junior and Senior Secondary Schools in the 7 insurgency affected Local Government Areas in Adamawa State.

The most insurgency affected LGAs in Adamawa State are Madagali, Michika, Mubi North, Mubi South, Maiha, Hong and Gombi.

While breaking down the materials and equipment procured for distribution, the Permanent Secretary said that ADSEPIP procured 46,440 Stan assorted text books, 26,000 literacy charts, 3,800 students desk/chairs and 200 teacher table/chairs.

She further explained that on it part, MCRP has procured for Primary Schools 1,800 student desk/chairs, 319 table/chairs, 21,000 assorted text books and 6,000 instructional materials. In the Junior Secondary School, it has procured 27,750 text books.

The Senior Secondary Schools will have 22,400 assorted text books and laboratory equipment comprising 19,950 of Chemistry, 8,830 of Physics and 6,790 of Biology. Others are for Boarding Schools which include 3,300 student mattresses, 1,650 double bunk beds and 800 First Aid kit.

The Project coordinator ADSEPIP, Mal. Othman Bakari  noted that 65% of ADSEPIP resources is classified into two components that is grant and incentives which is paid directly into the beneficiaries account. While 35% goes for operational cost, training and consultancy. The project has requested the Bank to provide special allowances for ADSEPIP staff like other World Bank Projects, which the Bank has promised to look into the issue.

Mal. Bakari highlighted that from December 2017 to date ADSEPIP is able to carryout these projects:

Trained 9,065 teachers in phycho-social and pedagony and currently enjoying monthly incentives and trained 864 School Based Management Committee providing grants to 682 schools, while 182 schools account opening in progress.

On his part, the Project Coordinator, MCRP, Dr. Bala Usman explained that the project, initial for Adamawa State is US$23 million, will promote education quality, also leading to more equitable access and efficiency in the Education sector. 

Highlight of the event was inspection of the learning and instructional materials by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri in company of top Government officials and goodwill messages by the Chairman NUT Adamawa State chapter Comrade Rodney Nathan and the Executive Secretary Mubi North LGA Ahmed Abbas.