From Maawuya Bala Idris, Katsina
United Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF) has commenced distribution of solar-powered Redio set for the affected by banditry in Katsina State.
The Radio set is to be used at 50 centres and Community learning hubs across ten local Governments affected by the insecurity problem.
The UNICEF field officer in charge of the Kano office Mr Rahama Farah performed the distribution of 2,760 Radio sets on the occasion of Media Dialogue on Retention, Transition, completion of School and Re-entry Guidelines.
Farah said UNICEF was worried over continued attacks on schools by bandits, especially in the North West states which led to an increase number of school children He cited an example that in 2021 about 25 schools were attacked mostly in the North West, saying the attack
Impacted negatively on teachers and students. Farah says poverty, insecurity and the growth child population have forced over 18 million children out of school in Nigeria.
He said UNICEF Wii Continue to work with States and relevant stakeholders to address problems facing the education sector.
He however called on the state Government to increase budgetary allocation to education. According to him, Nigeria spends 12 per cent of its Gross Domestic Project (GDP) on Education which is lower than other African countries.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of the State Primary Education Board Dr Magaji Gahiya Said the Government has taken adequate measures to protect schools against attack by the bandits.
Represented by Secretary of the Board Dr Isah Idris Zakaria, Ensured adequate use of the Redio set to achieve the set target He Commended UNICEF and other Donor Agencies for promoting Education in the state.