The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has commended the federal government efforts in tackling insecurity and appealed for more actions to further curb the issues of kidnapping, banditry and other insurgency to prevent education bankruptcy and food insecurity.
FOMWAN stated this in a communique jointly signed by its National Amirah, Hajiya Halima Jubril and chairperson, National Education Committee, Dr. Lateefa M. Durosinmi, issued at the end of it 20th Annual Education Summit hosted by the Adamawa state Chapter from 23rd to 25th June 2021, made available to journalists in Abuja, Monday.
The Summit with theme :“Achieving Total Development through Quality Education in the Midst of Security Challenges” had eighty –five, (85) participants in physical attendance while about forty, (40) participants joined through Zoom.
According to the communique, the opening ceremony, was chaired by Professor Liman Tukur ably represented by Dr. Aminu Chiroma.
The Ceremony had in attendance representatives of the wife of the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, the Lamido of Adamawa and the State Muslim Council. Her Royal Highness, the wife of the Lamido was physically present. Also present ,were representatives from the Education Board, Yola North as well as other dignitaries.
Students of Iqra Academy, Yola, made a presentation on Girl Child education as well as a debate.
In her welcome address, as contained in the communique the National Chairperson of FOMWAN Education Committee, Dr. Lateefa Durosinmi stressed the importance of education in the socio-economic, political, scientific, technological advancement and in the maintenance of peace and security in the society.
The key note address by Dr. Abubakar Alaksim, which focussed on the theme of the Summit was delivered by Dr. Fatima M. Joda.
Highlights of the Summit, include paper presentations on the following topics: Terrorism, militancy, kidnapping, election related violence, hunger, environmental degradation, diseases and serious infection of the recent Covid-19 pandemic were identified as security challenges undermining Quality Education in the country; Security challenges are detrimental to the successful implementation of UBE programs in Nigeria; The increase in security challenges in our schools results into emotional stress/ trauma on the pupils/students and Investment in education is key and a necessary condition for promotion and economic growth and national development. Thus, education should be well funded among others.
The communique partly read “the Summit recommends as follows: Government should ensure the enforcement of the free and compulsory basic education; The need to involve all stake holders, (parents, teachers, students) from the planning stage to the implementation of new education curriculum in order to make it more functional; Commendation of the efforts of the Government in tackling the issue of insecurity but appeals for more actions to further curb the issues of kidnapping, banditry & other insurgencies to prevent education bankruptcy and food insecurity; Making the learning environment secure for teaching and learning through theee provision of tight security in schools.
Other recommendation include: Safety of school environment must be pursued by all stakeholders. Successful implementation of the curriculum, the teachers should be dedicated, have mastery of the subjects as well as the willingness and readiness to implement; Provision of adequate resources, infrastructures and instructional facilities. That, school administrators should be encouraged to develop methods of prudent resource management as well as In- service trainings on how to manage resources for education.
“In conclusion, FOMWAN shall continue to pray for stability and peaceful co-existence in the country in order to have meaningful and sustainable national development, it added.
