Natives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Helpline Foundation for The Needy have called for stakeholders’ collaboration to improve the management of the education system.
Speaking separately at a one-day town hall meeting at the Kuje area council in Abuja yesterday, they said the combined efforts were vital as it would strengthen the level of education across the six area councils of the territory.
The president of the Helpline Foundation, Dr Jumai Ahmadu, said the education of Abuja natives must be given a priority to reshape the future of women, girls, children and youths.
Ahmadu, who was represented by the project manager, Onoja Arome said the foundation is saddled with the responsibility of creating a platform where the natives, especially the children will have a meaningful life.
“We are saddled with the responsibility of providing an enabling environment where women, girl-child and youth in the territory and beyond will enhance their livelihood, education, and their whole well-being.
“In November 2021 Helpline Foundation received support from Macarthur Foundation to revamp the cultural heritage of the native people of FCT through women empowerment and children, it is the initiative that is still in progress.
“The event is to chart a course for a better future for Abuja original inhabitants who through economic and other reasons have been marginalized in their territory,” she said.
She explained that the meeting would examine the necessary areas, and pressurize offices in charge to make the education of the natives’ children a priority.
One of the speakers and former director of the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (FCT-UBEB), Dr. Adamu Noma called for an overhaul of the entire system to pave the way for corrections.
He said the FCT administration and area councils should put renovation and provision of infrastructure at the top of their agenda to encourage access to education in rural areas.
The education secretary for Gwagwalada area council, Malam Musa Mamman, advocated the setting up of an elders’ education forum, constitution review, and school monitoring committee to review the issues holding the FCT education system back.
