EDUCATION IN BAUCHI STATE: TIME FOR REAL ACTION
In Bauchi State today, the state of our schools is a big worry. Many classrooms are falling apart, there are too few teachers, and thousands of children are not going to school. According to recent reports, many public schools are in bad shape and some have no teachers at all. This leaves our children without proper learning and our future at risk.
First, the government must fix the school buildings and learning spaces right away. In many communities the classrooms have no roofs, broken windows, and no furniture. We need safe, clean, well‑equipped schools so children can learn without fear and distraction. The state government should prioritise building new classrooms and repairing old ones in rural areas.
Second, we need more qualified teachers in every school. A growing number of schools in Bauchi have no teacher at all, which means many students sit in empty classrooms or learn from untrained persons. The government should recruit qualified teachers, give them training and support, and post them to rural and remote schools where they are most needed.
Third, the cost of sending children to school must be eased. Many families cannot afford school fees, books, uniforms or transport, and so children drop out. The government should consider supporting poor families, reducing fees in public schools and working with communities so children stay in school.
Fourth, the education system must use modern methods and tools. Digital learning, quality textbooks and good teaching materials help students understand better. Organisations like UNICEF are helping but the state must take full ownership and expand coverage. Rural schools also need electricity, internet access and safe water so children can learn well and stay healthy.
Fifth, the government should set clear targets and monitor progress. Even though Bauchi State has spent billions on education, many indicators still show poor performance. Officials should measure how many children are enrolled, how many finish school, how many teachers are qualified—and act when things are off track.
Sixth, communities, parents, traditional leaders and everyone must join in. Keeping children in school, building or repairing classrooms, supporting teachers and watching over their children’s education—these are tasks for all of us. When people work together, change happens.
In conclusion: The education crisis in Bauchi State cannot be ignored any longer. We call on Governor Bala Mohammed and his administration to lead a major push—repairing schools, hiring teachers, supporting families, using modern tools and tracking results. The future of our children and our state depends on it. Let us act now.
Sadiq Muhammad
Department of Mass Communication, Kashim Ibrahim University Maiduguri.