By***As SUBEB Blames “Decades of Neglect”
By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
The Emir of Hadejia and Chairman of the Jigawa State Council of Chiefs, Dr. Adamu Abubakar Maje, has raised alarm over the dilapidated state of primary schools in the state, describing the situation as “worrisome and unacceptable.”
The monarch made the remarks after an unscheduled visit to several schools in Ayama District, Auyo Local Government Area, where he found leaking and cracked classrooms, pupils sitting on bare floors, and a severe shortage of desks and learning materials.
He urged Governor Umar Namadi to embark on similar surprise visits “to see things for himself and encourage hardworking teachers,” while disclosing that the emirate council will prepare a detailed report on the education sector for government action.
The Emir also appealed to parents to play active roles in monitoring schools and supporting teachers rather than “leaving everything to government.”
Reacting to the concerns, the Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof. Haruna Musa, acknowledged the challenges but attributed them to “decades of accumulated neglect.”
According to him, the Namadi administration has intensified intervention through massive renovation and new construction under both the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and state-funded projects.
“Over 300 projects were advertised for tender under the 2023 UBEC intervention, tenders have been opened, and contracts are now being awarded,” he said, adding that preparations for the 2024 phase are in progress.
Prof. Musa, however, lamented the vandalism of school infrastructure by some communities, accusing residents of removing iron windows, doors, roofing sheets, and even chairs.
“In some cases, minor damages are ignored until they become major problems. Communities must take ownership and protect facilities if we are to sustain progress,” he stressed.