The Yobe government has announced plans to transition from fossil fuels to solar energy, aiming to provide sustainable power for all public secondary schools in the state by 2025.
This move marks a significant step towards enhancing the educational landscape and environmental sustainability.
Baba Malam-Wali, the Secretary to the State Government, revealed this ambitious plan to reporters during an inspection of ongoing government projects at various schools in Nguru on Monday. The schools visited included the Government Higher Islamic College, Government Day Secondary School Gashua, Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC), Yobe Campus, and Government Girls Unity College Damaturu.
Malam-Wali stated, “This initiative is part of the government’s broader plan to improve the state’s education quality,” underscoring the commitment to fostering a conducive learning environment.
He elaborated on the state government’s multi-faceted approach to educational reform, highlighting several key initiatives implemented since 2019.
“We have focused on decongestion of schools,” he noted. To tackle overcrowding, new model schools have been constructed in urban areas, and collaboration with traditional rulers has been established to boost primary school enrollment in rural regions.
In a bid to alleviate financial burdens on families, the government will cover fees for candidates sitting for the 2025 West African School Certificate Examination (WASCE) and National Examination Council (NECO). “We are ensuring that parents do not face any financial burden,” Malam-Wali emphasized.
Additionally, the administration has prioritized the empowerment of young women by establishing more secondary schools for girls, allowing them to pursue their academic dreams without obstacles. He also mentioned considerable investments in rehabilitating schools, including providing essential facilities and furniture.
Malam-Wali highlighted the significance of the state’s free feeding program for secondary school students, which costs approximately N500 million monthly, further supporting students’ well-being and academic performance.
During the inspection, principals of the visited secondary schools expressed their gratitude to the state government for its unwavering support. They acknowledged the positive effects of these initiatives on student enrollment, academic performance, and overall school infrastructure.
Rajab Ismail, chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Yobe Council, who led the inspection team, emphasized the critical role of accurate and unbiased reporting in highlighting these developments.
The Yobe government’s commitment to solar energy and educational reform promises to transform the state’s secondary education landscape, paving the way for a brighter future for its students.
