By Umayya Abubakar Njidda
As part of it efforts to improve the learning space, raise school enrollments and address the issues of school retention, transition and completion of education at the basic and primary levels, the United Nations Childrens Fund, UNICEF has donated learning materials to three thousand school children in Adamawa State.
The items include branded school bags, recreation kits, exercise books, early childhood development kits, assorted pens and erasers worth millions of naira.
Speaking at the flag off ceremony of the distribution exercise in yola, the Adamawa State UNICEF officer, Mr Joe Jutum enumerated other areas of intervention by the organization to include construction and renovations of one hundred and twenty five blocks of classroom, parameter fencing of some schools across the State, training of two thausand teachers on the state schools declaration and support to two primary and junior, Secondary Schools.
He thanked the State government for giving UNICEF the opportunity to contribute in the teaching and learning process in Schools across Adamawa.
The Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri acknowledged the dedication of UNICEF to the education sector in the state, describing it as not only commendable but also inspiring.
He admitted that the donated learning materials will play crucial role in empowering the benefitting school children and ensuring that they have the necessary tools to succeed in their educational journey.
Governor Fintiri used the event to enumerate some key achievements of his administration in the educational sector to include offering free education at the basic level, payment of WAEC, NECO and the Basic Education certificate Examination, external Examinations fees for students, renovations of Legacy Secondary Schools and construction of Mega Schools.
The Governor expressed delight that these efforts are not in vain as the performances of Adamawa States have in recent times shown practical improvements.
He declared that the distribution of the essential learning and teaching materials at the event was a significant step towards achieving the vision of literate, informed and empowered Adamawa State.
Delivering the welcome address at the event, the Executive Chairman, Adamawa State Universal Basic Education Board Doctor Murtala Umar Babayi restated State government gratitude to UNICEF for it’s steadfast support and partnership in advancing the cause of education in Adamawa State.
He noted that the donated materials will go a long way in fostering a conducive learning for students.
Doctor Babayi explained that the learning materials are not for sale and warned that the Board will not tolerate any situation where such items are found in any business or commercial area.
The Flagg off ceremony was held at Yola South Local Government Secretariat and had stakeholders in attendance.