Lack Of Education Breeds Poverty, Criminality – Goronyo

By Georgina Humphrey

Lack of basic education for children in Nigeria will breed poverty, hunger and criminality.

This was the assertion of the Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Bello Muhammad Goronyo at the ongoing 5-day programme on Leveraging Education Assistance Resources in Nigeria, (LEARN) to Read Project, Year 3 Visioning and Workplan Development in Abuja.

Goronyo explained that the literacy data shows that states where people could neither read nor write are in the North East, North West and North Central Zones of the country with Yobe State recording the lowest in the country.

“I struggled to go through elementary school, secondary and tertiary education as an orphan, and sincerely I’m delighted to be here today to meet with my people whom we have struggled together purposely for fostering the course of education in Nigeria”, he added.

He attributed some of the challenges facing early childhood education in Nigeria as domestic abandonment, lack of trained and qualified teachers among others, and pledged to continue to support any Project geared towards the advancement of education for Children particularly in Sokoto State and Nigeria in general.

He charged State Governors and State Assemblies within the zones to ensure more budgetary allocations to education within their respective States.

The minister commended USAID for the initiative and unrelenting commitments towards promoting the course of education in Nigeria, particularly in Sokoto State.

Goronyo stressed that the initiative will enhance the capacity and competencies of teachers and education Administrators across the implementing States.

According to him, the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, Dr. Ahmad Aliyu has made several commitments on prioritization of reading and basic education in Sokoto State.

He noted that the USAID funded LEARN to Read Project will enhance government’s efforts in Sokoto State in ensuring sustained improvement in early grade reading outcomes.

Earlier, the Director for Education, USAID, Jena Wooden expressed appreciation to the Minister of State for his passion and dedication in ensuring Nigeria’s ranking in education improves.

She also emphasized that education is the bedrock on which any developed society rests.

The Project Director, Education, USAID, Mr Scott reiterated USAID’s commitment in reducing the number of out of school children in Nigeria and overall enhancement of education in Nigeria.

The Workshop was organized by USAID for the people of the North-East, North-West and North-Central.

Edited By Grace Namiji