“…advocates immediate renovation of destroyed structures, construction of new ones… “
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly Joint Committee on Education and Local Government has called for total renovation of schools destroyed by windstorm across the state with immediate effect to guarantee conducive learning environment in the State.
The committee also called for construction of more new structures in schools to create an enabling environment for learning and teaching as well as improved on the standard of education in the state.
Hon. Abel Yakubu Bala, the Chairman of the Joint Committee made the call during an on-the-spot assessment tour to some schools in the state recently destroyed by windstorm.
Some of the schools visited by the committee include RCM Primary School, Agbashi, Ekye Development Area, LGEA Primary School Ogbushinyi, Pilot Science Primary School, Ikka, LGEA Primary School, Akun Ezhiba, all in Agidi Development Area of the State.
Hon. Abel said that the visit was to assess the level of damage caused by windstorm to primary schools across the state.
” We are here to see things for ourselves, the level of damage caused by windstorm.
” As you can see, the windstorm has wrecked havoc to primary schools across the state and this has affected learning and teaching negatively” he said.
The chairman called for total renovation of block of classrooms in schools visited for improved standard of education.
” Our call for complete renovation of schools affected by windstorm is base on the fact that all the structures were badly affected by the windstorm, zinc, doors, ceiling among others were destroyed completely.
” As these structures need roof replacement, ceiling replacement, plastering among others,” he said.
He appreciated the Speaker of the House , Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau for approving the assessment tour.
The lawmaker also commended Gov. Abdullahi Sule for prioritizing the education sector in the state.
” His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule has passion for education sector and has interest of the people of the state at his heart.
“Let’s all support him to succeed” Hon. Abel said.
Also speaking, Hon. Musa Abubakar Ibrahim the Co-Chairman and Chairman, House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs corroborated with the view of Hon. Abel.
He assured the people of Ekye and Agidi Development Areas of the state government commitment to renovate structures destroyed by the windstorm.
“We came to assess the level of destruction done to classrooms as a result of windstorm.
” We have seen the level of damages and we will do the needful and by God’s grace, government will renovate the damaged classrooms” he said.
Besides, Hon Musa called on the staff of Ekye Development Area to shun truancy, absenteeism and be productive at all times.
The lawmaker further called on the people of the state to continue to support Gov. Abdullahi Sule’s administration to succeed.
On his part, Engr. Mohammed Shuaibu Lakpa , Director of Physical Planning, SUBEB, appreciated the House for being education friendly through supporting the activities of the board and the government to succeed.
He urged communities to take ownership of projects in their domains for durability.
” We want communities to participate and take ownership of projects in their domain for durability” he said.
The director assured that he would report back to the board on the level of damaged seen in schools visited for necessary action.
Responding, Mr Donald Emmanuel Epoh, the Education Secretary, Ekye Development Area appreciated the committee and Gov. Abdullahi Sule for their efforts in improving on the standard of education in the area.
The Education Secretary assured of their readiness to ensure improved standard of education and to take ownership of projects in their domains.
Mr Anga Lucky, who spoke on behalf of Ogbushinyi community and Mr Dio Dangana, Youth Leader, Agidi Development Area also appreciated the committee for ensuring improved standard of education in the state.
They assured of their support to the state government policies and programmes to succeed.