By
Bamanga Abdullahi Gombi
Despite efforts by the governments and development partners to promote girl-child education, reports of insurgents in nearby Guyaku have disrupted boarding activities at Government Secondary School, Gombi, raising concerns over the education of the students particularly girls child.
In this special report, Radio Nigeria correspondent in Yola, Bamanga Abdullahi, Gombi examines the impact on students and their parents.
Speaking to Radio Nigeria the Principal of Government Secondary School, Gombi, Mr Peter Garba Banu, disclosed that the decision to de-board students followed security concerns after some boarding students, particularly girls, left the school.
He explained that security personnel advised the school Management to de-board the remaining students as a precautionary measure, following the movement of military personnel stationed at the school to Guyuk, where insurgents were reportedly sighted.
According to him, he informed the Gombi Local Government Couny Chairman, Hon. Mark Ishaya, who advised that the students should return home and commute to school daily.
He stressed that the decision is not an official school policy but a temporary measure to protect the students, adding that there has been no attack or specific threat against the school.
The principal noted that the school has enjoyed security support from the Army, Police and other security agencies through the Schools Protection Squad since last year.
He regretted that the Parents Teachers Association and the School-Based Management Committee were not informed before the decision was taken because the development was sudden.
He further stated that the school is working with security agencies and other stakeholders to return students to the hostels as soon as possible.
A parent, Ustaz Yusuf Mohammed, revealed that the school Management approached the local government chairman to provide temporary accommodation for students who live far from the school, but the request was declined because the council had no available accommodation.
He added that the affected students were advised to stay with relatives or friends, or return home until the security situation improves.
The Head Girl Marvelous Edward lamented that the decision has affected students emotionally and academically, particularly those from distant communities.
She pointed out that many students chose the school because of its academic standard and conducive learning environment, adding that the sudden change has disrupted their studies and concentration.
The Parents Teachers Association and School-Based Management Committee, led by Mr Samuel Garba and Alhaji Ibrahim Salihu, also expressed concern over the decision, saying it was taken without their consent.
They warned that the development could affect students’ academic performance, discipline and safety, and called on the authorities to reconsider the decision and involve relevant stakeholders.
Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer in Adamawa State, CSP Suleiman Yahya Nguroje, clarified that the command was not involved in the meeting that led to the de-boarding decision.
The PPRO, however, assured that the Police, through the newly established Schools Protection Squad, continue to conduct routine patrols to protect students, teachers and schools across the state.
