By: Gloria Abutu
In a bid to address the growing challenge of out-of-school children in Adamawa State, the government has called for the support of traditional rulers to ensure every child has access to education.
The Executive Chairman of the Adamawa State Universal Basic Education Board (ADSUBEB), Dr. Murtala Umar Babayi, made this appeal in Yola during separate visits to the Lamido’s Palace and the Emir of Fufore.
Dr. Babayi emphasized that increasing school enrollment is essential for fostering responsible citizenship, maintaining peace, and driving national development.
“We are seeking your support to ensure that these children are brought back to school so that they become self-reliant. At the end of the day, they will become responsible citizens and contribute to the development of the country,” he stated.
Describing the high number of out-of-school children as a “menace” that requires urgent intervention, Dr. Babayi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing free and compulsory education across the state.
Focal Person for the Basic Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) project, Vincent Adiel, highlighted the critical role of community leaders in ensuring children of school age are enrolled.
“Out of the 460,000 out-of-school children in Adamawa, over 200,000 were enrolled by the end of the BESDA project in 2023,” he disclosed.
“Computers have been procured to capture the data of these children, to aid effective planning and enrollment strategies across all districts,” he added.
He stressed that education should complement religious learning to equip children with the necessary knowledge and skills for a better future.
Speaking on behalf of the Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Mustapha, the Galadima Adamawa, Mustapha Aminu, expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed the Emirate Council’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at improving education access and outcomes.
“The Adamawa Emirate Council is pleased to note, with a deep sense of appreciation, the successes recorded in tackling the complex issue of out-of-school children in the state, which has assumed a frightening scale,” he stated.
A member of the Emirate Council and former Chief Judge of Adamawa State, Retired Justice Nathan Musa, commended the enrollment drive and called for stricter laws to sanction parents who fail to send their children to school.
During the visit to the Emir of Fufore, Alhaji Sani Ahmadu Ribadu, the team reiterated the need for inclusive education, emphasizing that no child should be left uneducated, regardless of tribe, gender, or religion.
In a remark, the Emir expressed appreciation for the initiative, pledged collaboration, and made a passionate appeal for improved education in his Emirate.
“We have schools, but there is a need to improve the standard of education in Fufore,” he appealed.
“I assure you that we will collaborate with your board alongside the district heads to make this possible,” he added.
With these engagements, the Adamawa State government aims to strengthen efforts to enhance literacy and enforce compulsory education, ensuring that no child is left behind.
