Children’s Day: Bauchi assembly speaker bemoans challenges of inadequate training for teachers

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Samuel Luka, Bauchi

As Nigeria marks this year’s Children’s Day, the Speaker of the Bauchi state house of assembly, Rt. Honourable Abubakar Sulaiman has noted with concern, the challenges of inadequate training for teachers, lack proper infrastructure, including classrooms, furniture, and learning materials confronting the education sector.

The Speaker who stated this during this year’s Children’s Day celebration, said concerted efforts have been made by the Bauchi state government towards addressing the challenges.

While congratulating the entire children in Bauchi state, the Speaker said that the state assembly will continue to advocate policies that would help the state government further improve infrastructural facilities and learning process of the children.

“Today, as we celebrate the joy, innocence, and boundless potential that resides within each and every one of you, we must also acknowledge the harsh realities that children face, particularly in developing countries like ours and within the boundaries of Bauchi State”, he told the children in a speech made available to newsmen by his spokesperson, Comrade Abdul Ahmad Burra on Saturday.

“Even in this year 2023, many children in Nigeria confront formidable challenges”, he added.

According to the speaker, numerous schools lack proper infrastructure, including classrooms, furniture, and learning materials.

“Teachers often face inadequate training and limited resources to provide a nurturing and effective learning environment”, speaker Abubakar noted.

He further explained that many children lack access to proper medical facilities, resulting in a higher risk of preventable diseases and inadequate healthcare support.

The Lawmaker added that immunization coverage is often insufficient, leaving children vulnerable to deadly illnesses.

Rt. Hon Abubakar who pointed out that malnutrition remains a persistent issue, leading to stunted growth and hindered cognitive development, added that, many children are forced into exploitative work instead of being in school, robbing them of their right to a proper childhood and education.

“They are often subjected to hazardous conditions, long hours, and meagre wages, depriving them of their innocence and hindering their potential”, he lamented.

He however, said that commendable efforts have been made to ameliorate the aforementioned challenges by the Bauchi State government under the administration of Bala Mohammed.

Rt. Hon. Abubakar who said that present administration is making the effects with the support of the of Assembly, assured that the State Assembly remains resolute in the total elimination of the challenges.

He said that assembly is also resolute in protecting the rights and well-being of every child.

“We pledge to continue prioritizing resources to improve education infrastructure, train and empower teachers, and provide essential learning materials”, he said.

Rt. Hon Abubakar said further that the assembly will advocate for the establishment of more healthcare facilities, increase immunization coverage towards implementing comprehensive nutrition programs to combat malnutrition.

He said that the house of assembly is committed to enforcing legislation that protects children from exploitative labour practices and advocating for policies that prevent forced marriage, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive.

“Bauchi State House of Assembly recognizes the immense value of every child’s dreams and aspirations. On this Children’s Day, let us unite in our dedication to creating a brighter future for every child in Bauchi State”, he appealed.

He said as lawmakers, they will advocate for policies that would make Bauchi to overcome the challenges and foster an environment where every child can reach their full potential.