Zulum increases students’ feeding allowance to N3 million a month
By Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state, has raised the monthly feeding allowance of students of the State’s Special School (SSS), Moduganari to N3 million.
The increase in feeding allowance, followed an anti-corruption programme in Hausa, titled: “Cigaba Al’umma,” and sponsored by Wadata Media Advocacy Centre (WAMAC) with support from MacArthur Foundation.
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According to the Centre, the investigation was on alleged diversion of food items in the affected special school in Moduganari community.
Confirming the increase, yesterday (Monday), in Maiduguri, the Commissioner of Education, Sciences, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Abba Wakilbe, disclosed: “The increase in feeding allowance of students from N810. 000 to N3 million a month was approved by the Governor, after an assessment visit to the school this year.”
He explained that the Principal, of the school had briefed him on the condition of the school including the state of feeding students.
The Commissioner, therefore, urged parents and guardians to encourage their children and wards with special needs to send them to school, instead of begging for alms.
Besides, he added that the Ministry has also provided bags and other materials as well as recruitment of teachers to enhance teaching and learning.
He noted that periodic review will be conducted to address the needs of the special school.
Corroborating the Commissioner, the Principal of the School, Mrs. Hauwa confirmed that the investigation conducted by the programme (Cigaban Al’umma) prompted the swift response of Governor Zulum.
She said the school currently has over 300 students with 105 blind and 260 deaf students at both primary and secondary levels.
Hauwa, however, denied the allegation of diversion of food items meant for the students, explaining that the major problem before now is inadequate funds to cater for the students.
“I’m happy to inform you that the state Ministry of Education has come to our aid by increasing the monthly feeding allowance from N810,000 to N3 million; as a result of the concluded investigation carried out by Peace FM radio.”
The students have recently complained about poor feeding condition in the school, alleging that some staff divert food items provided by the State government.
The Moduganari School with 365 registered students; was established in 1987 to provide basic education to blind and deaf students across the state.
