Bauchi State

By Ukasha Rabiu Magama

The last time the Bauchi state government recruited teachers in its primary and secondary schools was in 2014-2015 when Dr Malam Isah Yuguda was in power. Since then, no single teacher has been employed again in the sector, though there have been cases of retirement, changes of cadres, and death.

It may not interest readers to hear that with these sad and unwelcome developments, Bauchi state has been enumerated among the states with many out-of-school children in Nigeria. According to UNESCO, in October 2022, Bauchi had the highest figures, amounting to 1,239,759.

These alarming figures are not unconnected to the government’s failure to recruit apt teachers, provide enough instructional materials and non-payment of staff salaries. This weird and mind-boggling development has thrown thousands of Bauchi kids out of school and, sadly, others to street begging and other criminal activities. 

Imagine a primary school having one teacher with a population of about 350 pupils. There are many schools in the Lame district of Toro local government with only one teacher. Also, not just Lame district but almost all primary schools in the state’s rural areas face similar problems. Pupils receive classes under the shed trees with no chairs. Hmm! Primary schools and even our secondary schools are in terrible condition.

Recently, the Daily Trust newspaper reported how the lack of teachers and infrastructure forced the closure of many primary schools and turned pupils into farmers in Alkaleri, the governor’s local government. Still, Daily Trust gathered that multiple public primary schools, especially in the semi-urban and rural areas of the state, are either run by volunteer teachers hired by the community development committee or by public-spirited individuals in their quest to attract parents and children who are shunning school.

Surprisingly, the authorities are aware of the situation. There was a time when Korijo Usman, the SUBEB director of state, told journalists that there were 79 primary schools in Misau’s local government, and each school had one teacher.

The governor had once condemned the system while expressing dissatisfaction with the Dumi school’s bad condition. He stated that he was unhappy with SUBEB and the state’s ministry of education. 

Therefore, if the governor can condemn the system and nothing has been done to fix it, then our kids’ future is at stake. Also, the government has indicated its ineptitude to restore the system.

If the World Bank and other NGOs could donate huge funds, just revamp the system. I accused the state government of embezzling the funds since nothing has been done yet.

However, the dilapidating condition of the schools must be attributed to the activities of vandals and the negligence of the host communities; government negligence contributed to nearly 70% of the problems. It is undeniable that unscrupulous elements are carting away schools’ belongings, having government agents as masterminders.

Therefore, education in Bauchi state is on the verge of collapse as there are many no’s. As such, I’m calling on the present administration of Bala Muhammad Abdulkadir to employ sufficient teachers, build enough classes, and renovate the abandoned ones as a matter of urgent public importance. 

Notwithstanding, paying teachers’ salaries on time and promoting those who are supposed to be promoted would help revitalise the education sector in the state; if not, the whole system will soon collapse, and the position of the state education sector will be nowhere to be found. 

Ukasha Rabiu Magama writes from Magama, Toro, Bauchi State, and can be reached at Ukasharabiu95@gmail.com.

By Muhammad Miftahuddeen Isa

The plight of secondary school students in government schools across Bauchi State is getting worse by the day, and their situation, if left unattended, would do a lot of harm to the future of the State. 

Education is the key to civilisation; it influences growth and frustrates mediocrity in thoughts and aspirations. It, therefore, becomes pertinent to teach the right mindset to students, teachers and those saddled with the responsibility of providing quality education to our brethren. However, while orienting our brothers and sisters in secondary schools on how to succeed in life, we were baffled to learn that our schools lack adequate teachers to teach and guide students towards a prosperous future. 

BALAWSAN Law Week was my way of bidding farewell to the one-year service to the Bauchi State Law Students’ Association of Nigeria—as its President. But contrary to what people had imagined, all my programs centred on secondary school students. At least, that’s what many would say, even though the Members of BALAWSAN were never left behind.

We intended to unveil young men with great potential and build more capable leaders through mindset reorientation and capacity building. We have achieved that— through the direct beneficiaries of the programs— our members and the secondary school students—most especially during the Debate Competition we organised between Secondary Schools, where young, intelligent students were given the platform to display their oratory prowess and consequently, the chance to realise their worth and capabilities. I am happy with how things turned out, for I am confident now that we do not lack talents in Bauchi State; we lack the will to invest in them. I will explain this further in the subsequent paragraphs.

On the 26th of October, 2023, my team and I arrived at Sa’adu Zungur Model Secondary School at about 11 am for a Career Awareness Program, with which we declared open the first BALAWSAN Law Week, 2023. The School is among the most reputed Public Schools in Bauchi State, and naturally, we would expect their standards to fit their public image. The Principal gave us a warm welcome, after which we were ushered into the Hall booked for the event. 

My friend, who coupled as the Master of Ceremony, introduced the purpose for which we were there, after which I was invited to deliver a brief lecture on “what it means to be a Lawyer” and subsequently, Miss. Atika Garba Hassan and Mr. Bilyamin Aliyu Salisu— both fresh graduates of Law— delivered lectures on “The Requirements for Law Admission in Nigerian Institutions” and “The Mindset for Success”, respectively. It was both an exciting and impactful program for everyone until we started dishing out questions, and as expected, the students answered passionately. 

As is the practice, we allowed for questions from the audience. Both students and staff asked many important questions, but the one that occupies my mind even as I write this piece is: “Literature in English, as Miss. Atika has explained it is a requirement for a person who intends to pursue a career in Law, and we have no Literature on English teaching in this school. Not only in this School but in the whole of Bauchi State, we had two of them, one of whom is deceased now. The Government is doing its best. The question now is, how could our students be qualified to study law under this circumstance? Another thing is that we do not have sufficient teachers to teach Government.”

Ordinarily, every good citizen would find it troubling to know that one of the best public secondary schools in Bauchi has no teacher available to teach one of the most important subjects for every Art Class Student— I am a good citizen. To call this a disappointment is the highest I could go in leniency, and to call a spade a spade. It is the zenith of cruelty perpetrated by the government of Bauchi State, every stakeholder in the state’s education sector, parents, and all the people of Bauchi State. How could this be happening without anyone saying anything? This is a time bomb, and unless it is dismantled, an abode is guaranteed in hell for all of us— both the Actors and Spectators. If this is what we found out in less than the Two hours we had been in the School, how much more does the Ministry of Education know? How much more does individual School Management know? And how much more do we need to know before we act?

It is common knowledge that even the Commissioner and Directors of the Ministry of Education and Principals and Teachers of Public Schools do not have their wards enrolled in public schools, which has contributed to the criminal neglect of the schools. How can you be selling to people what you cannot use yourself? How can you ask people to trust the institution you steer when you do not trust such institutions with your children? But it is okay. I know they would rather point fingers than do the right thing, but at least these students— the ones we have neglected— should have qualified teachers capable of helping them (the students) achieve their goals. 

I know many schools face the same or worse challenges, and it is equally public knowledge that the State Government has the means to build roads; why would those funds not be diverted to support the God-given talents of the thousands of students caged in cave-like classrooms, with goals and the willingness to pursue them, but with no teachers to teach important subjects? Why would Parents have the energy to supervise the distribution of palliatives but turn a deaf ear to the intellectual sufferings of their wards? Why would Student Unions continue to waste funds on frivolous events even after knowing the problems bedevilling our brothers and sisters in schools? There are many whys, but the most important is why we call ourselves “human beings” when we peacefully sleep at night ignoring the plight of thousands of young promising students who have no one but us to fight for them?! Why?!

To fight this menace, all hands should be on deck to champion the change required to restore public confidence in public schools. The Government should provide a conducive environment for learning, engage the services of qualified teachers for every subject— in every school— and improve the welfare of both the teaching and non-teaching staff in the Education Sector. Adequate measures should also be implemented to ensure those saddled with responsibilities discharge them effectively. Parents should be willing to inquire about the things being taught in schools through diligent inspection of notes and friendly conversations tailored towards finding out the needs of their wards about their plans and whether the school can cover those efficiently. 

Student Union Leaders should accept the responsibility that comes with their titles; they should prioritise quality education through advocacy, and tangible projects centred towards achieving access to quality education and career guidance. Private Organizations should utilise the resources available for their corporate social responsibility, or a reasonable percentage thereof, to support the Government in realising access to quality education. 

We must do what we can to curtail this menace that feeds on the foundation of our civilisation and progress. Every one of us must do what we can to uphold the integrity and standards of our Educational System. Every Child deserves a fair chance at proving their worth and capabilities, and no child deserves a school that lacks the facilities to support their dreams. Everyone must be able to speak up when they see anything undermining the quality of education received anywhere— in private and public schools.

Muhammad Miftahuddeen Isa writes from Bauchi State and can be contacted via Muftahuddeenisa@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A suspect, identified as Abiduna Amin, lost his life while in police custody at the Dutsen Tanshi police division.

The tragedy on Tuesday has ignited a firestorm of concern regarding human rights abuses within the police force. It has sparked a social media movement rallying under the hashtag #JusticeForAbidin.

Abiduna Amin, a resident of Karofi Bauchi and an animal dealer by occupation, became the focal point of a police interrogation.

According to sources, he was being questioned on suspicion of having purchased a stolen goat or ram. However, what began as a routine inquiry escalated dramatically when it was alleged that police officers subjected Abiduna Amin to severe physical violence, resulting in his untimely death while in police custody.

The news of Amin’s tragic demise spread like wildfire across social media platforms, with the hashtag #JusticeForAbidin quickly gaining immense traction on Facebook.

A groundswell of concerned citizens, activists, and human rights advocates have voiced outrage over the incident, pledging not to let this case fade into obscurity. The campaigners demand accountability and justice for the deceased, urging a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Recognising the gravity of the situation, the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police took decisive action by summoning the Dutsen Tanshi Police Divisional Officer for a comprehensive inquiry into the incident.

However, at this juncture, police authorities have yet to release an official statement addressing the matter or providing specifics regarding the steps taken to address the officers involved.

By Yakubu Ammar Sani

On the unfortunate evening of August 24, 2023, around 8:30 p.m., a horrifying incident of police brutality unfolded in the peaceful neighborhood of Dabar Makaho, around Famfon Shanu, Azare Bauchi State of Nigeria. This incident serves as a shocking reminder of the abuse of power and the devastating consequences it can have on innocent lives. 

It all began when a group of police officers, whose duty is to protect and serve the community, unlawfully used excessive force on an accused person. The officers, instead of conducting a proper arrest, resorted to violence, misusing their firearms, and hitting the accused with sticks. 

Tragically, in the midst of this brutal act, an innocent young boy passing by became an unintended victim. The excessive force used by the police officers resulted in the boy suffering a severe eye injury, nearly causing the loss of his eye. This incident has undoubtedly left a traumatizing impact on the young boy’s life. 

What is even more distressing is the apathy shown by the police officers involved. Instead of rushing the injured boy to the hospital for urgent medical attention, they callously neglected his wellbeing. This blatant disregard for human life is deeply concerning and raises serious questions about the values and principles these officers are supposed to uphold. 

In a further display of aggression, when a concerned Good Samaritan attempted to intervene and bring attention to the officers’ wrongdoing and the critical condition of the young boy, they responded with further violence. It is shocking to witness those entrusted with maintaining law and order resorting to further brutality and attempting to silence those who speak out against injustice.

The victim, Usman Sa’idu, who is 13 years old.

The incident that occurred on August 24, 2023, is not an isolated event. Instances of police brutality have become all too common, leaving a trail of suffering and shattered lives in their wake. These incidents highlight the urgent need for robust reforms within law enforcement agencies. Comprehensive training programs focused on human rights, ethics, and de-escalation techniques must be developed and implemented to ensure that officers understand the importance of safeguarding the public and upholding the law. 

Equally important is the establishment of effective mechanisms for reporting and addressing cases of police misconduct. It is essential for individuals who witness or experience such brutality to feel safe and confident in reporting these acts, knowing that appropriate action will be taken. Proper investigation and accountability measures must be in place to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. 

As a society, we cannot stand idle and allow the abuse of power to continue. It is the collective responsibility of citizens, policymakers, and law enforcement agencies to work together to address these grave issues. This means fostering a culture of respect, transparency, and accountability within our police forces. Only then can we begin to rebuild trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. 

Furthermore, it is the duty of the government to prioritize the safety and well-being of its citizens by enacting legislation that protects individuals from the atrocities of police brutality. This legislation should provide clear guidelines on the appropriate use of force, ensure effective oversight mechanisms, and ensure that justice is served for victims of police misconduct. 

The incident that took place on August 24, 2023, serves as a painful reminder of the urgent need for reform. It is a call to action for all stakeholders to work towards a future where every individual, regardless of age, gender, or social status, can feel safe and protected by those sworn to uphold the law. 

Let us unite as a community to demand accountability, transparency, and justice for the victims of police brutality. Only then can we create a society where every person can live without fear of harm and where those in positions of authority carry out their duties with integrity and respect for human life.

Yakubu Ammar Sani wrote from Azare, Bauchi State and can be reached via -ammaryakubusani@gmail.com.

By Ukasha Rabiu Magama 

At least not fewer than four people were kidnapped yesterday by unknown gunmen in Zalau, Toro, Bauchi state. 

Our source, who pleaded anonymity, narrated that the invaders arrived in Zalau town by 8:30 pm on Sunday, barricaded the town entry and started shooting air sporadically, heading to the village market square. 

Dispersing the marketers, they abducted Aliyu Dahiru Sulaiman, Abdul Hogal, Dokas, and their brother. Also, Shamsudden Garba was shot, and he is now receiving medical treatment at the Abubakar Tabawa Balewa Teaching Hospital in Bauchi. Similarly, the abductors carted away people’s belongings, including phones, provisions, meets and fried yams.

The illegal operation was suspended by 9:30 pm, and shootings were nonstop due to zero security intervention. 

It could be recalled that the gunmen, on Saturday, August 19, 2023, abducted two people and shot a security man in Gumau; the captives regained freedom yesterday, August 20, 2023.

Similarly, the gunmen shot another person in Fishere on Friday, August 18, 2023; the man who refused to follow the kidnappers to the jungle as they commanded him was shot in the head and died immediately. Also, a similar event occurred in Bargan Fulani and Salarma communities.

Since the beginning of this month, August, Toro and Lame districts have been facing a series of attacks from unknown gunmen leading to the loss of lives and properties of citizens.

Recently, in an interview with BBC Hausa, the member representing Toro federal constituency, Hon. Ismail Haruna Dabo, raised the alarm over the incessant event in the area and asked the federal and state governments to deploy security operatives to the site; hence the need is to protect lives and property of the citizens.

An effort was made to reach Toro police command when filing this report, but it was abortive due to undisclosed issues.

By Ukasha Rabiu Magama

The Bauchi state government has assured a speedy renovation of some parts of the specialist hospital gutted recently by fire.

The development came when the state’s Commissioner of Health, Dr Adamu Umar Sambo, visited the hospital on Saturday.

The commissioner, who went there to see the nature of the work in the hospital, encouraged the workers to continue saving the lives of the people of Bauchi state with no hesitation.

Promising the work, the commissioner also assures the replacement of all burnt equipment in the hospital and does the needful to adjust the hospital bill and make it affordable to Bauchi citizens.

He further commended the effort of the workers for their contribution to improving the lives of Bauchi citizens. He pledged to continue supporting the workers best of his ability to bring the desired output to the state.

By Ukasha Rabiu Magama

Preparations are underway as the Bauchi state chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) prepares to offer free surgical procedures to more than 200 patients afflicted with various ailments across the Toro local government area.

Dr Adamu Umar Sambo, the recently appointed Commissioner of Health in Bauchi, announced the initiative during a ceremonial event hosted by the Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria (IMAN) at the Toro chapter. 

“The Medical Association of Nigeria, NMA, will soon offer free surgery to over 200 patients suffering from various diseases across Toro local government. The association will do this to express its happiness and to thank His Excellency Bala Muhammad Abdulkadir for appointing one of them as Bauchi health commissioner.” 

The free surgeries are a gesture of appreciation for Dr Sambo’s appointment as the new Commissioner of Health and a tribute to Governor Bala Muhammad Abdulkadir for recognising Dr Sambo’s contributions to the medical field.

Dr Sambo, who formerly held the position of Chief Medical Officer at Toro General Hospital Toro and currently serves as the Bauchi Commissioner of Health, urging his successor, Dr Maryam Ahmad Abubakar, to build upon his achievements and collaborate closely with hospital unit officials to align with Bauchi state’s health sector objectives.

Similarly, Dan’zumi Abdulhamid, Chief Nursing Officer at Toro General Hospital, praised Dr Sambo’s accomplishments as the former Chief Medical Officer, highlighting advancements such as upgrading the hospital to a real general facility, provision of essential equipment including generators and X-ray machines, establishing a Covid-19 centre, a new theatre room, and the renovation of facilities including staff quarters and the Juma’at mosque.

On his part, Alhaji Aliyu Yakubu Lame, the district head of Lame, encouraged the Commissioner to work selflessly to drive development in the state. He equally commended the Governor for appointing two key commissioners from Toro and urged Dr Maryam Ahmad Abubakar to carry on Dr Sambo’s legacy.

The event was graced by the presence of the district heads of Toro, representatives from the Nigerian Medical Association, members of the Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria – Toro chapter, and other esteemed dignitaries.

By Abdulbasid Aliyu Adam

Parents have been reminded of the need to play their parental role in providing qualitative education to their wards to curtail social vices.

Dr Abdullahi Jaji of Aminu Saleh College of Education Azare remarked while presenting a paper themed, the challenges of post-primary Education in Northern Nigeria: the Role of Stakeholders at the closing ceremony of the three-day annual quiz, debate and essay competition organised by MSSN Bauchi State Area Unit.

Dr Jaji, who spoke at length on the challenges of post-primary Education in Northern Nigeria, attributed the menace to the misplacement of priority by the parents. Hence the need for parents to shoulder all the responsibilities of their children’s education described knowledge as the bedrock of every development.

Earlier in his welcome address, the quiz coordinator of MSSN Bauchi state, Dr Muhammad Adamu Hamid, said the program was designed to improve the readiness of Muslim students in Bauchi State to face the Senior Secondary school Certificate Examination to meet world tertiary institution entry requirements in an examination malpractice free environment.

Dr Hamid, a lecturer with the Department of Mass Communication, Pen Resource University Gombe, charged the participants to double their efforts in seeking religious and Western education.

Speaking at the occasion, Amir of the MSSN Bauchi State Area Unit, Dr Rabi’u Barau Mball, applauded the efforts of the host communities for their job well done and urged the relevant authorities to continuously support the activities of MSSN at all levels for the speedy development of education and the state at large.

Dr Barau Mball, a lecturer with the Department of Sociology, Bauchi State University Gadau, used the medium and informed the public that the leadership of the society would host the 2023 National Islamic Vocation Course (IVC) hence the need for government support and all the sister agencies.

In their separate remarks at the occasion, Hon. Ahmed Mai Kudi Yaya, a member representing the Misau constituency in the State Assembly and Hajiya Bahijja Auwal Babaji, deputy chairman of Giade Local Government as well as the District Head of Giade represented by the Galadiman Giade, commended the state leadership of MSSN for organising the August, events and prayed for its sustenance.

The program, which draws participants from SS one and two of all secondary schools across the twenty local governments of the state, held at the Government Science Secondary school Giade, declared Katagum local government as the overall best, followed by Bauchi and Toro as Second and third, respectively.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

The Bauchi State Civil Service Commission (CSC) has taken a decision in fighting corruption as it announced the dismissal of Ibrahim Garba, Chief Secretariat Assistant attached to the State Pension Board. 

The decision was made on August 1, 2023, at the Commission’s Conference Hall during its 17th plenary session. 

Ibrahim Garba was fired as a result of his involvement in wage and pension fraud, which the Commission judged to be gross misconduct. 

Public Service Rules (PSR) 0327 (XI), which expressly handle matters of financial embezzlement, were judged to have been directly violated by his acts. 

Ibrahim Garba’s attempt to illegally syphon pension funds was discovered during the disciplinary procedure. 

He altered the late Audu Mohammed’s account information, replacing it with his own account information. 

Then, after the deceased’s relative reported the death, he was able to adjust the pay point. 

Ibrahim Garba was able to obtain an unauthorised pension for an astonishing fifty-five (55) months at a cost of N54,871.26 per month, thanks to this fraudulent behaviour. 

This fraud continued for a total of four years and seven months and resulted in the theft of N3,017,919.30.

By Ukasha Rabiu Magama

The new Bauchi Commissioner of Health, Dr Sambo Umar Adamu, has charged Bauchi youths to be productive and peace ambassadors of their respective communities to bring the desired development to the state. 

The disclosure was made at his Magama residence when he received the delegation of the Magama Youth Forum on a congratulatory visit. Expressing his happiness over the visit, Dr Sambo assures his readiness to work closely with youths to bring much-needed development to the state, particularly in the health sector.

Further, Dr Sambo said his door will always be open for consultations on moving Bauchi state to the greater pedestal. He added that Governor. Bala Muhammad’s administration was an inclusive regime. Therefore, he promised to learn from his footsteps by carrying everybody along, irrespective of party, religion and tribal affiliations, for the sustenance of peace and to bring progress to the state. 

In his remark, the acting chairman of Magama Youth Forum, Malam Isma’il Abubakar Najjar, asserted that the visit aimed to felicitate with Dr Sambo on his appointment as the new Bauchi state commissioner of health as well as pray for more success in the distant future.

Malam Najjar said Magama Youth Forum are ready to give maximum support and cooperation to the new commissioner to perform his responsibilities to revamp the Bauchi health sector.

While making his comment, the acting assistant secretary of the Magama Youth Forum, Comrade Abubakar Abdulkarim Jibrin, appealed to the new commissioner to consider the union at a time of enjoying the democratic dividend as well as shun nepotism by giving equal opportunity to the entire citizens of the state.

The visit had in attendance chairmen and secretaries of various associations within Magama and its environs.