During a visit to Akwa Ibom State for the University of Lagos 1984 Law Class reunion, Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, outlined the Federal Government’s determination to tackle the persistent challenge of out-of-school children in the nation. Mamman commended Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Éno, for the significant strides in basic education infrastructure within the state.
A press statement released by the Press Unit of Government House in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, highlighted Mamman’s expressions. He specifically praised the strides made in enhancing basic education infrastructure during his tour of the revamped Christ the King School on Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo.
Impressed by the state government’s initiatives, Mamman applauded the efforts as crucial in creating an inviting environment, likely to stimulate increased school enrollments. He attributed this move to aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s vision to reverse the downward trend in school enrollments. The minister stressed the necessity for joint efforts among local, state, and Federal Government levels to effectively address this challenge.
Mamman emphasized, “There is a ray of hope for our country, primarily through the combined efforts of governors, citizens, and the collaborative synergy between state and Federal Governments.”
“For us at the federal level, particularly President Bola Tinubu, that is our area of focus. We want the out-of-school children to be a matter of history, and this is the way to do it.”
Earlier, the governor said his administration’s determination to pay attention to education at the primary level was informed by the need to spur up the willingness and passion for education among school children.
He reiterated the need for collaboration between the state and Federal Government in revamping primary education, and healthcare, amongst others, to the advantage of the states and the country in general.
“We call upon the Federal Government to support what we are doing. It is about children and the future of our children. Again, I want to underscore something here that the Federal and state government can collaborate,” he said.
Eno said his target is to replicate the model school across the 31 Local Government Areas, adding that the model will be complemented with teachers training to ensure a complete facelift for primary education in the state.
He stated further that his administration is committed to rural development and upgrade in primary schools and healthcare facilities as a strategy to attain rural development.
“I am passionate about rural development but you also know that education is the foundation. Lack of education carries with it a lot of danger. So our ambition is to see what we can do, not just the building. We will furnish it, train the teachers, ensure that we do a total facelift in our primary education.”
