Although there are still some pockets of crises occasioned by suicide bombings, the return of relative peace in Borno state, and Maiduguri in particular, has energised the state government to rehabilitate schools destroyed by the insurgents. SADIQ ABUBAKAR writes
There is no doubt that quality education is the pillar of development. Without sound and quality education in the society, there would be chaos and serial conflicts similar to the insurgency that has bedeviled the north-eastern part of the country.
This situation, to say the least, has rendered Borno state, known as Home of Peace and centre of eastern education since time immemorial, a ghost of itself.
This attainment has made Borno to be a centre of Qur’anic education, leading to the influx of people to the state to acquire knowledge on the Quran and other Islamic literatures.
But, with the emergence of Boko Haram insurgency in the state, western education has been wrongly translated as forbidden. And that only eastern education is allowed, which led to the emergence and spread of crises and wanton destruction of western education structures as well as public buildings.
Borno state, also known as technological hub, became a sorry state, especially at the primary and secondary school levels.
Despite the fact that Boko Haram insurgents destroyed, vandalised and burnt several schools in all the 27 LGAs of the state, leaving only a few structures standing, it is surprising to discover that most schools were under-staffed, under-furnished and have dilapidated structures resulting from poor maintenance culture.
In some schools visited, 40 per cent of the pupils/students do not have desks. Most of them sit and learn on the ground. Some use leather mats, while in some cases, they learn under trees, thatched roof or sheds.
In others, teachers and headmasters or principals go to school on rare occasions, or when salary is paid. Those who receive salary through banks only go at the end of the month.
A former Principal, Malam Babakura Adams, said: “In those days when we were in the system, everything was available and provided by the government, especially during the military regime, but by the coming of democracy, things began to change and education became a different thing entirely.
“Parents no long respect education and even students don’t like going to school because of the attitude of their teachers. Most of the teachers take teaching as casual job and as the last option to unemployment,” Babakura said.
A member of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Borno state chapter, Comrade Ali Yunusa said: “No respect or regard today for the teaching profession or for education. Students are not serious. Parents lack incentives and encouragements or mobilisation”
“Government has abandoned everything. Educational structures and facilities are grounded or have become dilapidated and outdated.
“The situation is a sorry sight as crime rate increases daily because children no longer go to school and youths have no job to do.
“But, we thank God that we have a governor that is caring and has good intention to reinvigorate the education sector and turn around things in the sector through the declaration of war against education especially as it affects children, the orphans as well as children of the nomads,” Yunusa said.
However, a civil servant and retired school teacher, Malam Hassan Ahmed said, “The introduction of free feeding in primary schools and boarding school facilities for the children are encouraging, and this has motivated parents and guardians to send their children to school.
Paying WAEC and NECO registration fees is another factor that has removed the burden off parents.
“Similarly, encouraging the children to learn in conducive environments in new schools, reconstructing and rehabilitating burnt schools and providing study and learning materials and facilities, including laboratories and libraries, with modern facilities will go extra miles in enhancing quality of education.
A social media practitioner and consultant, Lanre Idowu said: “We really thank God. We also thank President Muhammadu Buhari first and foremost for his support and concern for the people and government of Borno state”
“He has done us proud and we are with him. We believe that he will continue to support us till peace permanently rerun to Borno, home of peace.
A village head, who also has nine children in primary and secondary schools at Dala Wango area of Maiduguri, Bulama, Alhaji Dala Aji said, “There is the need with the return of peace in the state and gradual liberation of most communities by the military, for schools to reopen and remain more functional, and teachers should also be recruited to boost educational activities in the state.
“Look at how new schools are being built and schools that were destroyed are being reconstructed and rehabilitated by the state government.
“But, there is no promotion for the teachers to motivate and encourage them.
“No prompt payment of salaries. There is also delay in monthly payments of salaries. Worst of it all is the verification exercise of teachers across the state at the local government level. No proper procedure and time frame for the exercise. No consideration of the plight of the teachers and their families by the governor or government,” he said.
With the relative peace now breezing in Maiduguri and its environs, even the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Zenith Bank PLC, Unity Bank PLC, including international donors like the UNICEF, UNHCR, VSF, IOM, UNDP, have constructed and renovated some primary and secondary schools to complement the efforts of the state government.
Schools are now more secure and fenced. Security operatives strategically positioned at entrances and exits of public and private schools to provide security, while others patrol and lay surveillance on highways.
This situation shows that peace has finally emerged and socio economic activities are beginning to pick up.
