The need for Makarfi Education Foundation

Generally, it is a common knowledge that education foundations are designed to specifically augment, supplement, or complement an effort, programs and activities already in place in a deliberate attempt to strengthen them with a view to actualising future prospects of communities.

Communities with functional education foundations are today at the advantage of leaving their peers far behind in every aspect of human endeavours, simply because of the value they place in education. Unfortunately, Makarfi (as with its immediate counterparts) has had its fair share of the devastating effects largely due to the neglect, and perhaps non-existence of the will and commitment on our parts as a community to bring about a change - to which we are all responsible.

The effects of the neglect can be seen clearly in the so-called type of the students we have today, who (needless to say) hardly construct a good sentence after senior school education; much less read and understand, or even draw simple logical conclusions (scientific or otherwise) on anything, and also in the ever today’s competitive environment - where science and technology trump everything.

For example, it will surprise you to find that in the whole of our secondary schools in Makarfi, there is no single standard, well equipped and working science laboratory to cater for the contemporary needs for science today. And it is a fact that where there are no good working laboratories, teaching and understanding of science suffer, and where these two important aspects of learning suffer, the future suffers most. We are seriously lagging behind in this very important area of human capital developments, especially now that the GREEN light has gradually tilted in its direction and favour.

In addition to this, the deplorable nature and condition of the learning environment are not what you easily find appealing. The environments are reduced to mere breeding grounds for rodents and snakes, making it completely uninhabitable and therefore hindering appreciable positive teaching and learning outcomes both from teachers and the students.

While all these are directly attributable to the near complete neglect by the authorities concerned, well to-do members of the community (who are opportune to acquire sound education), have an important role to play in this respect, so as rescue the future of our next generation from experiencing a total black-out. This role can be played by setting up an education foundation that will complement what government is doing, to bring the younger ones out of the mighty tidal waves that is capable of sweeping them and the entire Makarfi community alive.

As important as it is to remember one’s immediate needs, so it is to always remember the saying that “a vibrant and prosperous community is dependent upon the value its community members place in high quality education.” This would keep us glued to the urgent need for the foundation, so as to reverse the unfortunate and yet avoidable situation for the good of everyone and the community as a whole.

This is therefore an appeal, or a passionate call for everyone especially our fathers, elites, wealthy individuals etc., to please in their interest buy this idea and henceforth initiate a process leading to setting up “Makarfi Education Foundation.” Through this, our students and the youth generally, would find reasons to be the best that they can be especially in science and science related disciplines. This will put us back on track and propel us to wherever education can propel any human being on earth.

Mustapha Garba Jama’a, Makarfi, Kaduna State.