The Chanchaga Local Government Council in Niger has distributed textbooks, school uniforms, and school bags to students and teachers in 37 Local Education Authority (LEA) primary schools and some secondary schools within the area.
During the flag-off ceremony held at the Council Secretariat in Minna on Saturday, the Council Chairman, Hon. Aminu Yakubu Ladan, stated that the initiative demonstrates the council’s dedication to fostering the development of human resources essential for the rapid and sustainable socio-political and economic growth of their communities.
He noted that, despite the challenging economic conditions, teachers often go above and beyond by creating their own instructional materials to make their lessons both engaging and effective. He praised their efforts and assured them of the council’s continued support in fulfilling their responsibilities.
Motives Behind the Distribution
Hon. Yakubu Ladan announced that the distribution of educational materials to public primary schools in the local government is just the first step in a series of initiatives. He highlighted the council’s commitment to enhancing education in the area, noting that they have covered tuition fees for indigent students in tertiary institutions and paid JAMB fees for those seeking admission. Additionally, they have provided support to primary school teachers to enhance their motivation.
The Council Boss pointed out that many talented children are present in public schools and stressed that the current APC-led administration in Chanchaga is dedicated to improving education. He acknowledged that the council cannot tackle this challenge alone and called for assistance from generous individuals and the state government, particularly through the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB).
In a related goodwill message, NSUBEB Chairman Malam Muhammad Baba Ibrahim outlined the board’s efforts to enhance basic education in the state. These include upgrading existing school facilities to smart and semi-effective schools and improving teacher welfare and training. He emphasised that local government councils bear the responsibility for basic education, commending Chanchaga Local Government for taking its duties seriously and encouraging other local governments in the state to follow suit.
The Chairman of NSUBEB noted that the state government cannot bear the responsibility of enhancing basic education alone, which he emphasised is the cornerstone of education. He called on well-meaning individuals and corporate organisations in Niger State to contribute to educational initiatives.
Remarks From Some Political Officials
In their individual goodwill messages, Hon. Mohammed Nma Kolo, the Political Adviser to the state Governor, and Hon. Chata J.G Mohammed, the Director General of the Niger State Urban Development Board (NUDB), highlighted the importance of giving back to society. Nma Kolo reflected on how their generation benefited from free education and warned that neglecting the education of the younger generation could lead to future problems.
Hon. Chata announced a donation of ₦200,000 on behalf of the Jawon Minna Forum and encouraged community members to support educational efforts in their areas.
Hon. Aminu Musa, the chairman of the Niger State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), represented by the party’s state publicity secretary Hon. Musa Labaran Sarkinkaji, stated that development cannot occur without education and that many current challenges stem from a lack of proper education. He mentioned that the party has decided not to endorse any candidate who does not prioritise education in their platform and commended the Chairman of Chanchaga Local Government for his proactive measures. He also announced the party’s contribution of ₦500,000 to support educational development in the council.
The event featured the symbolic distribution of educational materials, including 5,200 uniforms, 1,700 school bags, and 2,500 textbooks.
