By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
Honourable Mahmud LawaI Isma'ila, the Member Representing Zaria City Constituency and Chairman of the Kaduna State House of Assembly Committee on Education, has called on federal government education institutions in Nigeria to emulate the commendable efforts of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in providing quality and basic education across the country.
The lawmaker made this appeal over the weekend while commissioning three new classrooms built by the Vice Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria, Professor Olufemi Peters, in Kaduna. He stressed the need for other institutions to follow the example set by NOUN, emphasizing that the education sector should be a top priority for both federal and state governments.
Honourable Mahmud LawaI highlighted the commitment of the Kaduna state government to prioritize the education sector.
He pointed out that since assuming office, Governor Nasir El-Rufai has not only reduced school fees in public schools but has also invested in additional classrooms across the state. Education, according to LawaI, is crucial for meaningful development, and both government and other stakeholders must collaborate to ensure its success.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Olufemi Peters, Professor Isaac Sammani Butswat explained the necessity of adding extra classrooms to the NOUN Staff School, Primary, and Junior Secondary School. This initiative aims to provide a conducive learning environment for pupils.
The Commissioning event witnessed the participation of the Director of the Centre for Human Resources Development (CHRD), Dr. Aminu Umar.
Dr. Umar highlighted the significance of the three classrooms built by the National Open University for the Staff School, emphasizing that it was accomplished without financial contributions from the Kaduna state government or individuals.
Dr. Umar noted that the schools under NOUN are recognized for teaching science-based subjects and modern technologies, ensuring that pupils remain up-to-date with the latest advancements.
He expressed the institution's commitment to complementing the efforts of the Kaduna state government in building and rehabilitating educational facilities.
While celebrating the commissioning of the project, Dr. Aminu Umar took the opportunity to convey condolences to the Kaduna state government concerning the tragic incident of the abduction of primary school pupils in Kuriga.
He condemned such deliberate efforts to hinder education in Northern Nigeria and called on security agencies to intensify their efforts to ensure the safe return of the abducted children.
The commissioning event marked an important step toward enhancing basic education in the region, with an emphasis on collaboration between government and educational institutions.