* awards scholarship to 53 students
The Senator representing Niger East senatorial District, Barrister David Umaru on Tuesday decried the “appalling” state of education in Niger state, saying the rate of decline was quite disturbing.
Speaking after he awarded scholarship to 53 students and paid for their Junior Secondary School certificate examinations, Senator Umaru said the state of education requires a declaration of state of emergency.
He said the state is littered with schools without teachers even as he lamented that existing facilities are in deteriorating condition and inhabitable.
He said the situation is worst in his constituency, adding that “I’m aware of schools without teachers for many years.”
He said he renovated some schools to very good standards, but that the government has refused to post teachers to the schools for about two years now.
“I have renovated three schools, bought books, sewn uniforms, bought chairs and tables and even bought motorcycles for teachers that will be sent to these schools to aid their movements but the Chairman of Shiroro Local government area has refused to get teachers.
“I am ready to give children in my constituency the best of education but the Chairman of Shiroro LGA who have been approached more than three times to provide volunteer teachers because it is his responsibility, up till this moment has not sent any teacher”, he noted.
Senator Umaru who could not hold back his tears while the beneficiaries of his scholarship recount the experiences said “It is truly an emotional state for me, the appreciation from parents and even the students has only spurred me to do more. I only wanted to know how they are faring in school and to pay their examination fees including fulfilling the scholarships.”
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