From Shalom Kasim, Gombe
In a bid to combat illiteracy and address the issue of out-of-school children, the Gombe State Government has committed to sustaining efforts initiated under the BESDA World Bank program.
The Commissioner of Education, Asst. Prof. Ashatu Umar Maigari, led a delegation on an inspection visit to a 1,200 capacity Bilingual Boarding School, part of a collaborative effort with the Islamic Development Bank.
The Commissioner emphasized the crucial role of global partners in supporting the government’s mission and highlighted the ongoing construction progress during the visit.
The project, set to be completed by April 2024, aims to enroll children in the 2024/2025 academic session. Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s vision to minimize or eliminate out-of-school children in the state underscores these initiatives.
Dr. Ishiyaku Babayo, the Project Coordinator, outlined the bilingual school’s objective to provide vulnerable children, especially Almajiri children, with access to quality Western and Islamic education.
The Islamic Development Bank-funded project, with bilingual instruction in English and Arabic, is strategically located across senatorial districts to cater to diverse communities.
The school design ensures gender-segregated academic sections, aligning with Islamic cultural norms. This comprehensive approach signifies Gombe State’s commitment to holistic education, fostering partnerships, and transforming into a model for minimizing out-of-school children nationwide.
