Adamawa, UNICEF begin distribution of learning materials to 343,942 children
Adamawa State Universal Basic Education Board (ADSUBEB), with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has inaugurated the distribution of learning materials to 343,942 children across 931 public primary schools in the state.
Speaking at the ceremony in Yola on Thursday, UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Tusha Rane, said the materials were for the 2024–2025 academic session.
Rane, represented by UNICEF’s Education Consultant, Mr. Joel Jutum, said education was not a privilege but a fundamental right for every child.
He said the support was possible with the initiative of the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) of the Government of Germany.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that KfW promotes development programmes in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Southeast Europe on behalf of the German government.
It focuses on financial investments and reform initiatives in a wide variety of sectors, including health, education, water supply, energy, rural development, and financial systems development.
“Our goal extends beyond just enrolling children in school.
“We always aim at attendance, retention, and a smooth transition from one educational level to the next, while enhancing the quality of education as well as mitigating the indirect cost of education.
“As we distribute these materials, we call on the Adamawa government and other partners to continue strengthening our collaboration to ensure that more children enrol in schools and they retain, complete, and transit to the next level,” he said.
Rane further urged the state government to ensure that the materials reached the intended beneficiaries through regular monitoring and supervision.
In his remarks, Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa said education had always been a top priority in his administration.
Fintiri, represented by his Special Adviser on Good Governance, Dr. Adamu Babikkol, said the materials would enhance the learning experience of the children and contribute to their academic success.
“I want to reiterate our profound gratitude to UNICEF for their continued partnership and support.
“Your contributions have made a tremendous impact on the lives of our children and the overall development of our education sector,” he said.
The Chairman of ADSUBEB, Dr. Murtala Babayi, also expressed gratitude to UNICEF for its support and partnership in education development in the state.
Babayi, who said the state government has been investing in quality education, assured UNICEF of the efficient distribution of the materials across the schools.
NAN further reports that the learning materials include school bags, exercise books, early childhood development (ECD) kits, pencils, erasers, rulers, and sharpeners.
