The Bauchi State Government has commenced the distribution of teaching and learning materials, plus science and laboratory equipment, to 223 Senior Secondary Schools in the state.
Speaking during the symbolic handover of the items in Bauchi, on Saturday, the Commissioner for Education, Dr Jemila Dahiru, said that the items were procured by the ministry, with Gov. Bala Mohammed’s approval.
Dahiru, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Ali Babayo, said that the gesture demonstrated the State Government’s readiness and resolve to provide quality education and take the sector to greater height.
The commissioner said that the items were procured in order to ensure that students were well trained in their choice fields.
He listed some of the items to include white boards, white board markers, exercise books, pens and pencil.
Others were solar panels and batteries, science and technical equipment, inverters and all the necessary teaching and learning materials.
“It is the intention of the government to ensure that education services are provided in an effective and efficient manner so as to produce students that are well versed in their academic activities as well as character.
“It is also the intention of the government to produce students that will be self-reliant, job creators and blessings to their communities and the country at large with their potential, through which they can stand on their own feet.
“That is why science and technical education is being given a priority it deserves.
“And not only that, we are trying to ensure that every student studying in government secondary schools has a trade to practice after leaving school in order to earn a living.
“We want to make sure that the students are productive members of society.
“We want to groom them in a manner that they can create jobs for themselves and others,” she said.
Dahiru called on the teachers and students of the benefitting schools to make judicious use of the items.
According to her, the ministry will strengthen its inspection directorate to monitor the activities to ensure they comply with best practices.
Also, the Director, School Services, Hajiya Fatima Garba, said that the items would be given to all the Zonal Coordinators in the state, who would later deliver them to Principals under their supervision.
Garba urged the zonal coordinators to distribute the items and not hoard them in their offices so as to achieve the aim and objectives of the gesture.
Responding on behalf of the benefitting schools, Mr Rabiu Lawal, the President, All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools in the state, thanked the State Government for the gesture and promised that the items would be properly utilised.