Kidnapping: FOMWAN seeks tighter security in schools

The Federation of Muslim Women Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) Monday commended the federal government’s efforts in tackling insecurity.

It appealed for more actions to curb the issues of kidnapping, banditry and other insurgencies to prevent education bankruptcy and food insecurity.

FOMWAN stated this in a communiqué jointly signed by its National Amirah, Hajiya Halima Jubril and chairperson, National Education Committee, Dr. Lateefa M. Durosinmi and issued at the end of it 20th annual education summit hosted by the Adamawa state chapter from 23rd to 25th June, 2021.

It was made available to journalists in Abuja, Monday.

The summit with theme: “Achieving Total Development through Quality Education in the Midst of Security Challenges” had 85 participants in physical attendance while about 40 participants joined through zoom.

The communiqué stated that 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 governor of Adamawa state, the Lamido of Adamawa and the state Muslim Council. 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 communiqué, the national chairperson of FOMWAN Education Committee, Dr. Lateefa Durosinmi stated 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 focused 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 and 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.”