The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) sheds light on the persistent lack of substantial progress in advancing education across northern Nigeria.
Professor Tukur Mohammed-Baba, the forum’s spokesperson, in a recent interview with Trust TV, emphasizes the concerning gap between government initiatives and tangible improvements on the ground, particularly in comparison to the strides made in agriculture.
Despite some states showing commendable progress in agricultural development, Professor Mohammed-Baba contends that the advancements in education primarily exist in the realm of media coverage. He highlights the challenging landscape for agriculture, citing factors such as the activities of bandits and the impact of climate change, both of which adversely affect access to education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
The spokesperson criticizes the uneven distribution of agricultural support, asserting that much of it did not reach the intended beneficiaries during the previous government. He calls attention to the stark contrast between televised portrayals of progress and the harsh reality faced by many communities in the North.
According to Professor Mohammed-Baba, numerous areas in northern Nigeria have witnessed a decline in social conditions, with agriculture remaining the backbone of the economy. Despite the prevalence of government spending in basic education, the spokesperson laments the dismal state of many schools during his rounds across various local government areas and villages. Dilapidated school buildings, inadequate facilities, and a dearth of new schools persist, painting a stark contrast to the optimistic narrative presented through media channels.
As the ACF raises its voice against the apparent stagnation in education, the call for urgent and effective measures to bridge the gap between governmental initiatives and the ground-level reality becomes more pressing than ever.
