Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni says over N25billion is needed to revitalize education in the state due to the destruction caused by insurgents in the last 12 years.
He said this in Abuja Thursday at the Yobe State Education Development Fund raising.
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He said the enormous task of rejuvenating education in the state was far beyond the state’s traditional treasury capacity.
The governor said the fund-raising event was to seek their potential benefactors’ support.
He said despite the fact that the state government had reconstructed and renovated over 300 schools, established six model schools and seven mega schools as well as spent N2 billion to procure textbooks, laboratory equipment, class and office furniture, there was still a gap in the sector.
The gap, he said, could affect good governance and democracy which requires a well-educated and enlightened citizenry to thrive.
“The key to a sustainable resolution of our development challenges is to invest strategically on growing a well-educated and sensitized citizenry, making a paradigm shift from the historical past to a functional education that shall strives to train the students to become active, knowledgeable and productive citizens of integrity who will play passionate roles in the development of self and society for a better future,” he said.
He said the fund would be used to develop and maintain a high standard of education philosophy, policy, legal, regulatory, as well as institutional arrangements in the basic and secondary education sub-sector.
Buni also said the fund would help the state to address the menace of out-of-school children and maintain the highest standard of enrolment, attendance and retention with special attention to girls’ education.
Senate President Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan described the fundraising as a national call.
He commended Governor Buni for the initiative.
He said the government had to appeal for funds due to an increase in population and dwindling resources.
“Asking for help is part of work, itself. This is one very important sector in our lives. We can’t run away from talking to you, our friends, for help. If there is one sector you can use to change the world, it is education. We want to change the world,” he said.
According to Lawan, the nation stands to benefit from the efforts of the Yobe State Government in education revitalization.
The chairman of the event, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, in his opening remarks, commended the donors for their love towards education.
He said the initial investment of N25 billion was necessary to revitalize the education sector in the state due to the devastation and setback to education caused by the Boko Haram insurgents.
The chief launcher and chairman of Mangal Group, Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal, donated N1 billion.
The event was attended by the governors of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello; Borno, Babagana Zulum; Ekiti, Kayode Fayemi; Imo, Hope Uzodinma and Kebbi, Abubakar Bagudu.
Also in attendance were members of the National Assembly, ministers and business moguls.
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