Empty Classrooms, Weak Hospitals — Yet Bauchi Crowns New Emirs -By Yasir Shehu Adam

The recent inauguration of 13 new Emirates by the Bauchi State Governor has once again drawn public attention — and criticism — over the government’s misplaced priorities. While palaces are rising and traditional titles multiplying, the essential pillars of society — education and health — are collapsing in silence.

Across the state, schools are falling apart. Children sit on bare floors; many classrooms have broken roofs and no learning materials. Some teachers go months without proper teaching aids. In many rural areas, pupils still learn under trees. In the same state, hospitals are struggling. Patients sleep without proper curing, drugs are scarce, and healthcare workers operate under poor conditions. Yet, huge sums of money are being spent on building palaces, buying luxury vehicles, and hosting ceremonies for newly appointed Emirs.

A Government Losing Focus

The painful truth is that Bauchi State has lost its sense of priority. Instead of investing in classrooms and hospitals — the real engines of human progress — the government appears focused on showy projects that do not improve the lives of ordinary citizens.

Development is not about how many palaces, flyovers, or investment summits a state can boast of. True development is about people — about children who can read and write, mothers who can give birth safely, and youths who can find meaningful opportunities to work and dream.

Misplaced Priorities and Missed Opportunities

Bauchi’s government has spent billions on projects that have little or no direct impact on the common man. The creation of new Emirates, the establishment of BAROTA, and the organization of investment summits may look impressive on paper, but they fail to address the deep problems facing education and healthcare in the state.

When schools are weak and hospitals are sick, no amount of ceremony can cure the pain of the people. The citizens of Bauchi deserve better — they deserve policies that place human development at the centre of governance.

The True Meaning of Leadership

Leadership is not about titles or thrones; it is about service. A true leader is a servant of his people — one who listens, understands, and acts in their best interest. Sadly, the current administration has repeatedly placed prestige over purpose.

The essence of democracy is simple: a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. When government actions stop reflecting the needs of the people, democracy loses its meaning.

A Call to the People

As the next election approaches, the people of Bauchi must think deeply about their choices. We need leaders who will prioritize human welfare over political glory — leaders who will invest in books before crowns, and hospitals before ceremonies.

Our state does not need more Emirs; it needs more educated minds, more healthy families, and more opportunities for its youth. Bauchi can only rise again when our classrooms are alive with learning, our hospitals are centers of healing, and our leaders remember that power belongs to the people.

This article reflects the opinion of the writer, Yasir Shehu Adam (Dan Liman), a young journalist and writer from Bauchi State, passionate about good governance and social development