YOBE AT 30: SO FAR, NOT SO GOOD

It has been 30 years since Yobe State was created by the then head of state, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida on 27th August, 1991. The state has seen grace and glory; it has also witnessed downturns and menaces. There have been achievements recorded so far, but still, there is a need to call the attention of the current administration to work harder to improve the socio-economic development of the state.

Yobe State, for its democratic running of the education sector for 30 years, could be deemed as being unsatisfactory at all levels. Cases such as children dropping out of school, come from the poor attention being paid to schools by the state government. Even though in some areas, like Damaturu, Potiskum, Nguru, and Geidam, that are considered as the eyes of the state, the state government renovated only a few schools without supporting them with technical and financial aid.

However, around the local governments, numerous public schools have been built for more than 60 years. The schools need renovation, academic materials, and the welfare of both teachers and their students should be greatly considered. The efforts on education shown by the state government seem believable, but getting things done at the right time is where it all fails. Apart from the local buildings, the issue of teachers’ treatment by the state government is something to focus on. Those teachers sacrifice their time and energy to teach thousands of children in an effort to support better education. Devastatingly, policies on promotions, salaries, welfare, and academic support are run aground and buried. Since the state is getting older, toeing the path of its golden jubilee, such a system of running education by the state government needs to change. The state government should cherish teachers, by paying attention to their basic needs.

For health issues, it is very important to look thoroughly at how the state government, from independence to date, has handled health management. Yobe was ruled under democracy by (Dr.). Bukar Abba Ibrahim, late. Sen. Mamman B. Ali, Alhaji Ibrahim Geidam, and currently Governor Mai Mala Buni. The aforementioned dignitaries governed the state with their style of government, building, renovating, and restructuring hospitals and health care management. It would be good for the government to initiate a committee that will observe how health management is being run and take adequate actions to change things for the betterment of society.

Kasim Isa Muhammad, Maiduguri