Shettima orders demolition of schools renovated by federal govt in Borno

Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno state has yesterday ordered the Commissioner for the Universal Education Board (UBE), Professor Abba Tijjani to immediately demolish all the classroom blocks burnt down by Boko Haram insurgents which were later renovated by the federal government in Abbaganaram primary and junior secondary schools, saying that the renovated structures were executed poorly, which according to him, is not accepted by his present government.

Shettima gave the directive when he visited Abbaganaram primary and junior secondary schools where he officially launched the distribution of free exercise books, uniforms and other instructional materials to all primary and post primary schools across the state.

“Honestly, those who were given the contract for renovation of these classroom blocks by the federal government assisted programme did a shady job, and we will not allow our students to continue using such structures, because apart from not conducive for learning, the structures have no ventilation.

“We will release money immediately to demolish and reconstruct new classroom blocks in this school fitted with security lights, fans and other facilities that will make the students feel comfortable when learning”. Shettima stated.

The governor who also took time and went round the classrooms felt impressed with the turn out of pupils and therefore directed the rector, Ramat Polytechnic Maiduguri, Professor, Babagana Umara to supply the school with 2000 furniture out of those provided to the institution.

While taking the governor round the classrooms to see the turnout of students in the school which was closed for almost a year after it was attacked and razed down two times by Boko Haram insurgents, the Commissioner for Universal Basic Education (Board), Professor Abba Tijjani told the governor that since the burning down of school classroom blocks by terrorists which was estimated at over 800 Blocks of Classrooms, the federal government only assisted the ministry with N100 million as intervention fund which was used in renovating some of the schools affected, and thanked the state government for giving approval which led to the total renovation/reconstruction of all the schools affected by the crisis.

Briefing the governor on the problem affecting the schools, the Principal Mallam Suleiman Kashim said, apart from lack of borehole which will provide drinking water to students, furnitur and teaching materials, the school premises is dominated by grasses and waste disposal following its long closure which he said, is not hygienic to the health of the students and staff.