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By Aliyu Bala Gerengi, Gombe
The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has donated school bags and books to about 700 students of Idi Junior Secondary School in Gombe State as part of efforts to support educational development and improve access to learning materials.
The intervention, which is aimed at complementing the state government’s efforts to reform the education sector, was welcomed by education authorities, school administrators and other stakeholders, who described the gesture as a significant contribution to the academic development of students.
Speaking during the presentation of the materials at Idi Junior Secondary School, Gombe, the State Commissioner for Education, Professor Aishatu Umaru Maigari, commended the commission for supporting the younger generation through its educational intervention.
Professor Maigari described the donation as timely, noting that the provision of essential learning materials would help students in their academic activities and support efforts to improve the quality of education in the state.
She called on other government agencies, development partners and non-governmental organisations to emulate the NEDC by investing in educational programmes that would benefit students and strengthen the state’s education system.
The commissioner stressed the importance of collective efforts in addressing the challenges facing the sector, adding that sustained support from relevant stakeholders was necessary to provide children with better learning opportunities.
Representing the NEDC Gombe State Coordinator, Rufai Lawan Baba Manu disclosed that approximately 700 students of the school benefited from the intervention through the distribution of school bags and books.
Baba Manu explained that the donation formed part of the commission’s efforts to complement government initiatives in the education sector, particularly in supporting students with essential educational materials.
He said the commission intended to extend the programme to other schools across Gombe State, with a view to reaching more students and supporting ongoing educational reforms under the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
According to him, the intervention reflects the commission’s commitment to working with relevant authorities to promote educational development and improve the learning environment for children across the North-East region.
Other education stakeholders at the event also expressed appreciation to the commission for the support.
The Permanent Secretary of the Gombe State Ministry of Education, Alhaji Ali Yaya; the Chairman of the School-Based Management Committee, Malam Umar Abdulkadir Abbare; and the Gombe Local Government Education Secretary commended the NEDC for providing the learning materials.
They noted the importance of cooperation among government institutions, school management committees and development agencies in addressing educational needs and ensuring that students receive the necessary support to pursue their studies.
The stakeholders also charged school administrators and teachers to discharge their responsibilities with fairness, dedication and a sense of commitment, stressing that the effective management of educational institutions was essential to achieving better learning outcomes.
In her remarks, the Principal of Idi Junior Secondary School, Hajiya Zainab Muhammad Yakubu, expressed appreciation to the NEDC for selecting the school as a beneficiary of the intervention.
She also acknowledged the contributions of the Gombe State Ministry of Education and other donor agencies towards supporting teaching and learning in the state.
The principal, however, appealed to the state government to consider recruiting additional teachers to address staffing needs at the school and strengthen the delivery of quality education.
She observed that adequate staffing was necessary to support effective classroom teaching and ensure that students received the attention and guidance required for their academic development.
Hajiya Zainab said the recruitment of more teachers would further complement the provision of learning materials and other educational interventions aimed at improving standards in schools.
The donation comes amid continuing efforts by government authorities and development partners to improve educational access and learning conditions across the Gombe State.
Education stakeholders maintain that sustained investment in learning materials, adequate teaching personnel and improved school facilities remains important to providing quality education and preparing younger generations for future responsibilities.
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