News

Bauchi One Of Most Educationally Disadvantaged States In Nigeria – Expert

Published

9 months ago

August 22, 2025

Hyeladzira James Mshelia, Assistant Director, Programmes and Community Engagement, Connected Development (CODE) says Bauchi state is one of the most educationally disadvantaged states in Nigeria.

She stated this during a one-day meeting on Roadmap to Equality Tools for Transforming Girls’ Education in Bauchi, organised by CODE and funded by MALALA Funds.

According to her, while the state government has placed education at the top of its budget priorities allocating over N40 billion across sectors, significant challenges still remained visible.

Mshelia, who is also the Girl-Child Education Project Manager of CODE, said some of those challenges included infrastructure gaps where many classrooms are held under trees.

“It also includes high dropout rates for girls driven by poverty, early marriage, cultural norms, and poor learning environments.

“There is also low enrollment and completion: Of over 538,000 school-age children, 12–14 years, nearly half are girls, yet many never enroll or complete school.

“Teacher quality concerns: 25% of teachers are unqualified, and only 31% are women, limiting female role models for girls in schools.

“There are also these gender-blind policies that fail to address the specific barriers faced by girls and other marginalized learners,” she said.

The expert further emphasized that for education to truly deliver on its promise as a pathway to a gender-just world, both girls and boys must benefit equally.

This, she said, was the reason Connected Development with support from Malala Fund, conducted a comprehensive Desk Review of Bauchi State’s education policies and legal documents
to assess their level of Gender-Responsive Education Sector Planning (GRESP).

She explained that their analysis revealed gender blind and critical gaps that hinder the achievement of gender equality in education across Bauchi State.

“While most policies reference gender, they lack clear, actionable strategies to address systemic inequalities affecting girls’ access to quality education.

“Insufficient Budgetary Commitment – Education budgets do not explicitly earmark funds for gender-responsive interventions, making implementation inconsistent.

“Teacher Recruitment and Training Gaps – Policies lack robust provisions for recruiting more female teachers, particularly in rural areas, and for integrating gender-sensitive pedagogy
into teacher training.

“Weak Monitoring and Accountability Systems – Existing frameworks do not collect or disaggregate education data by gender, disability, or vulnerability status, among others.”

She called on all stakeholders like the government agencies, civil society organizations, community leaders, development partners, and the private sector to adopt, adapt, and champion this plan, saying “together, we can ensure
equity, quality, and justice in education for every child in Bauchi State.

“With deliberate, gender-responsive policies and inclusive planning, we can create a system where every child,
especially every girl, has the opportunity to learn, complete school, and thrive”.

Responding, Dr Muhammed Lawal, the state’s Commissioner for Education, faulted an allegation that education projects are poorly executed in the state, insisting that the allegation was baseless and unfounded.

According to him, the State Government, through the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), was ensuring effective monitoring and supervision of every project across the State.

He added that the state government is doing everything possible to take the education sector to greater heights in the state.

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
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‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
‎

News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

News

Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

15 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.