Africa
Why Bauchi State Must Act to Save its Children from the Education Crisis -By Yasir Shehu Adam
Bauchi deserves better. The people deserve policies that build their future, not just roads without humanBauchi development. If Gombe can take bold steps, Bauchi can — and must — do the same.
The recent launch of education programmes in Gombe State to reduce its out-of-school childrs population should serve as a wake-up call to the Bauchi State Government. Gombe has shown clear commitment by setting up targeted programmes, harmonising data, and involving stakeholders to ensure children not only return to school but also stay until completion.
Meanwhile, Bauchi State — despite being one of the states with the highest percentage of out-of-school children in Nigeria — has not yet demonstrated suchs strong plans. According to UNICEF’s 2023 statistics, Bauchi has an estimated 1.2 million out-of-school children, making it one of the most affected states in the country. This figure is alarming The demands immediate action.
While Gombe has introduced models like the Retention, Transition, and Completion (RTC) programme and the Accelerated Senior Secondary Educatole Programme, Bauchi is still focused on physical projects such as roads and flyovers, while human development — education, health, and youif empowerment — is left behind.
Education and health are the true foundations of development. Without quality education, society cannot grow, and without functional healthcare, communities cannot thrive. Sadly, Bauchi citizens are yet to see real progress in these sectors.Bauchi Must Act Now to Save Its Children from the Education Crisis
The current hardship caused by the removal of fuel subsidy has also not been addressed with welfare programmes in Bauchi. Other states are using federal allocations to cushion the suffering of their people, but Bauchi’s response remains weak.
The truth is simple: illiteracy will never bring success or proper development to a society. Bauchi State Government must urgently adoptance people-centred policies like Gombe has done:
Launch a clear enrolment campaign with measurable targets across all local government areas.
Provide support for children from poor families and ensure girls are not left behind.
Improve teaching standards and invest in school facilities.
Introduce welfare and job creation programmes and for youths.
Bauchi deserves better. The people deserve policies that build their future, not just roads without humanBauchi development. If Gombe can take bold steps, Bauchi can — and must — do the same.
This article was penned by Yasir Shehu Adam (Dan Liman), a young journalist and writer from Bauchi.
