Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi on Saturday said that due to the economic challenges faced by parents, his administration has not only restored but also increased scholarships for the state indigenes by 50%, with plans for further increments as its resources improved.
The governor, during the inauguration of a 2.6-kilometre access road at Bauchi State University (BASUG) in Gadau, unveiled plans for enhanced transportation services for students, announcing that his administration is set to introduce Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles, providing free and subsidised transportation from educational institutions to key areas across the state.
He added that his administration has also provided land and buildings to support the establishment of new institutions by the Federal Government in Azare and Jama’are.
He said, “Despite these achievements, we recognize there is more work to be done. That is why we have established a Ministry of Higher Education and are planning an education summit. This summit will bring together experts from across the state and beyond to discuss critical issues, challenges, and solutions to provide us with a roadmap for the future”.
Recalling that his administration had declared a state of emergency in the education sector, the governor reiterated his vision of transforming Bauchi State into an educational hub, leveraging resources and collaborations to create a globally renowned educational system capable of producing skilled manpower.
According to him, the grand scheme envisions Bauchi state as a hub for education tourism, drawing from a rich pool of resources and partnerships to produce a globally recognized educational system that will produce competent and knowledgeable manpower.
He added, “There is no gainsaying the fact that when this road is completed the main campus of the Bauchi State University, Gadau would wear a new look, feel the impact of good Governance and provide a conducive environment for learning”.
Governor Bala disclosed that the state government has engaged the services of a competent contractor, Messrs Habibu Engineering Nigerian Limited to execute the 2.6km project at a total cost of N1,817,595,378, with stone base, asphalt wearing course, stormwater drainage and solar street lights.
“Our administration has embarked on accelerated urban and rural life-touching projects, covering the three senatorial districts of the state to address the yearning and aspiration of our people who suffered neglect by successive administrations”.
Senator Bala who said that the state government adopted a holistic approach to reverse the trend of infrastructural deficit and decay in the state, also recalled his recent flagged-off of the dualization of the 11km Ningi township road, in addition to granting approvals for the rehabilitation and construction of many other roads across the state.
“Since the inception of our administration in 2019, our commitment to education has been unwavering, and it is reflected in the various policies and programs we have implemented. In our pursuit of accessible primary education, we have undertaken the construction of over five thousand classrooms thereby creating an environment conducive to learning for our young minds.
“In recognition of the pivotal role teachers and administrators play, we have engaged in comprehensive training and capacity-building programs, forming partnerships with the Federal Government and donor agencies to uplift the standards of our educators.
“We have consistently provided adequate funding, ensuring timely payment of salaries and pensions. Inclusivity has been a key focus, involving students, parents, school administrators, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders to actively participate in enhancing the quality of education and reducing the number of out-of-school children.
“We have successfully reduced waste and corruption in our educational system. The tangible results are evident, with the rate of candidates passing WAEC and NECO exams with at least 5 credits, skyrocketing from 30% in 2019 to an impressive 80% in the current academic session.”
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