By Muhammad Bello
Katsina (Nigeria) – Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State, northwest Nigeria has announced plans by his administration to introduce a law compelling parents to send their children to school.
He described low school enrolment and poor educational development as detrimental to societal growth, acknowledging it as factor responsible for backwardness in northern Nigeria.
Masari decried lack of qualified teachers in schools and overcrowding in classrooms as major problems facing the educational sector, especially in primary schools.
He expressed dismay over the experience where children spend six years or more in the school but can’t spell their father or mother’s name, whereas a month in the Islamic school they can recite a verse in the Quran.
Masari warned parents and teacher not to solely depend on government, but tighten up their belts and ensure their children go to school.
Masari was speaking after receiving a presentation of school improvement grants to the tune of N48m made by UNICEF to the State.
UNICEF Chief Field Officer, Padmavathi Yedla said the grants was for the School Based Management committee, SBMC to provide conducive atmosphere of learning in the schools.
“we felt the community needs to get involved in… Because the community are close to the school and know what are the challenges and constraints.
“So the grant is to improve the quality of and learning. It is to bridge the gaps wherever it exists. Take for instance, the need for school clinics,” She said.
