Etsu Nupe urges tribal associations to support public school

The Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar has called on traditional rulers to coordinate tribal unions and association to assist public schools in their domains.

Speaking during a meeting of the Bida Emirate Education Forum in Minna, the Etsu, who is also the chairman Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, said community members must evolve self-help measures in addressing the challenges especially in primary and post-primary education.

Represented by Datijon Nupe, Alhaji Musa Baba, the Etsu said that government at all levels are presently overwhelmed and cannot meet all the needs of the people, adding that a collaboration by local associations would greatly go a long way in easing the pressure on the government.

He said the Bida Emirate Education Forum is intervening in Bida, Lavun, Katcha, Mokwa, Gbako and Edati local government areas, which make up the emirate.

He said through the levies contributed by members, the Forum was able to rehabilitate many schools, provided teaching aids, including computers, and introduced skill acquisitions programmes.

Earlier in his address, the chairman of the Forum, Professor Jonathan Ndagi, said the body which was conceived by the former Governor of the state, late Alhaji Abdulkadir Kure, has continued to enjoy the support of successive governments in the state.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Babawuciko Yahaya, assured them of the state government’s continued support.