By Adeyemi Adekunle
A relentless wave of heavy rains and windstorms has devastated Jigawa State, reducing 58 nomadic schools to ruins and threatening the education of thousands of nomadic children. The disaster, which unfolded over a series of stormy days, left a trail of destruction across the state’s rural landscape, where these makeshift schools are the only lifeline to education for the nomadic communities.
Speaking to newsmen in Dutse, the Executive Secretary of the Nomadic Education Board, Hajia Ramatu Muhammed, described the situation as dire. “The storms have wreaked unimaginable havoc.
The rainfall was unusually heavy, and the windstorms that accompanied it were fierce. Entire structures were torn apart, leaving classrooms roofless, walls collapsed, and learning materials scattered and soaked,” she said.
Hajia Ramatu highlighted that the destruction had a crippling effect on teaching and learning in the affected areas, where these schools serve as crucial centers of education for nomadic children who otherwise have little access to formal schooling. “We are faced with the immediate challenge of how to ensure that these children do not lose out on their education due to this disaster,” she added, her voice laced with concern.
The schools, which cater to the unique needs of nomadic children, are spread across various parts of the state, often in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
The impact of the storms was widespread, with no fewer than 58 schools reporting severe damage. Some schools were completely leveled, while others suffered significant structural damage, making them unsafe for students and teachers alike.
In response to the disaster, the Jigawa State government has announced plans to rehabilitate the affected schools.
The Director of Works at the Nomadic Education Board, Alhaji Garba Hamza, disclosed that the state government has earmarked N392.8 million for the reconstruction efforts. “We are committed to restoring these schools to their full function as quickly as possible. Education cannot wait, and we understand the urgency of the situation,” Hamza stated.
However, the director also emphasized the need for increased funding to prevent such disasters from having a catastrophic impact on education in the future.
He appealed to the state government to boost the annual budgetary allocation for the Nomadic Education Board, enabling it to take proactive measures in disaster preparedness and response.
“Our current budget does not allow us to respond swiftly to emergencies like this. With more funds, we could fortify these schools against future disasters and ensure that education continues uninterrupted,” Hamza noted.
As the rebuilding efforts begin, the focus remains on ensuring that the educational journey of the nomadic children is not derailed by the natural disaster. Temporary learning arrangements are being considered, but the challenge remains significant due to the remote locations of many of the affected schools.
The state government’s commitment to restoring these educational facilities is a welcome relief, but the road to recovery will be long and arduous.
For the nomadic communities in Jigawa, whose way of life is already fraught with challenges, the loss of these schools represents a significant setback in their pursuit of education and a better future. As the rains continue to threaten, the urgency of rebuilding becomes ever more pressing, highlighting the critical need for proactive measures to safeguard education in the state.
