PREAMBLE
The 20th Annual Education Summit of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) was hosted by the Adamawa state Chapter from 23rd to 25th June 2021.The Summit had eighty –five, (85) participants in physical attendance while about forty, (40) participants joined through Zoom.
The opening Ceremony, which took place on Thursday, 24th June was chaired by Professor Liman Tukur ably represented by Dr. Aminu Chiroma. The Ceremony had in attendance representatives of the wife of the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, the Lamido of Adamawa and the State Muslim Council. Her Royal Highness, the wife of the Lamido was physically present. Also present ,were representatives from the Education Board, Yola North as well as other dignitaries.
Students of Iqra Academy, Yola, made a presentation on Girl Child education as well as a debate.
The Theme of the Summit was :
“Achieving Total Development through Quality Education in the Midst of Security Challenges“
With the following sub-themes:
- “Enforcing Free and Compulsory Basic Education in the Midst of Security Challenges”.
- “Implementation of School Curriculum for Functional Education for the Youths”
iii. Adequate Resources (Human and Material ) for Education
In her welcome address, the National Chairperson of FOMWAN Education Committee, Dr. Lateefa Durosinmi stressed the importance of education in the socio-economic, political, scientific, technological advancement and in the maintenance of peace and security in the society.
The key note address by Dr. Abubakar Alaksim, which focussed on the theme of the Summit was delivered by Dr. Fatima M. Joda. Good will messages were delivered by the representatives of the wife of the Governor, His Royal Highness, the Lamido Adamawa, the Education Secretary, Yola North, and the representative of State Muslim Council.
Highlights of the presentations and far –reaching discussion of the papers were as follows:
- Terrorism, militancy, kidnapping, election related violence, hunger, environmental degradation, diseases and serious infection of the recent Covid-19 pandemic were identified as security challenges undermining Quality Education in the country;
- Security challenges are detrimental to the successful implementation of UBE programs in Nigeria;
iii. The increase in security challenges in our schools results into emotional stress/ trauma on the pupils/students
- Investment in education is key and a necessary condition for promotion and economic growth and national development. Thus, education should be well funded.
- Shortage of fund, political issues, misuse /poor management of school facilities, ineffective school leadership, supply of substandard educational materials, low staff morale among others, are causes of inadequate educational resources;
- The absence of vital role of parents for functional education for youths and conducive learning atmosphere for learners are detrimentral to quality education.
The Summit recommends as follows:
- Government should ensure the enforcement of the free and compulsory basic education;
- The need to involve all stake holders, (parents, teachers, students) from the planning stage to the implementation of new education curriculum in order to make it more functional;
iii. Commendation of the efforts of the Government in tackling the issue of insecurity but appeals for more actions to further curb the issues of kidnapping, banditry & other insurgencies to prevent education bankruptcy and food insecurity;
- Making the learning environment secure for teaching and learning through the provision of tight security in schools;
- Safety of school environment must be pursued by all stakeholders
- Successful implementation of the curriculum, the teachers should be dedicated, have mastery of the subjects as well as the willingness and readiness to implement;
vii. Provision of adequate resources, infrastructures and instructional facilities.
viii. That, school administrators should be encouraged to develop methods of prudent resource management as well as In- service trainings on how to manage resources for education.
In conclusion, FOMWAN shall continue to pray for stability and peaceful co-existence in the country in order to have meaningful and sustainable national development.
FOMWAN hereby expresses her profound gratitude to everyone that has added to the successful hosting of this Summit, the wife of the Executive Governor of Adamawa, His Royal Highness, Lamido of Adamawa and the wife, the Resource persons, Chairman and the Discussants. The Zonal Coordinator, FOMWAN (North East), Hajiya Fatima Girei, the State Amirah, Hajiya Kaltum Abari. Members of LOC ably headed by Dr. Fatima Joda, Rapporteurs, zoom technical team and the delegates are also appreciated and commended.
Dr. Lateefa M. Durosinmi, FCSN Hajiya Halima Jubril
Chairperson, National Education Committee National Amirah
