Some newly enrolled primary school pupils in Adamawa have expressed their happiness and excitement over the enrollment and presentation of free learning materials by UNICEF.
The pupils, who spoke to newsmen in Yola South Local Government, could not hide their joy as they received the materials.
One of the beneficiaries, Ibrahim Ahmadu said, “I am happy to be in school and this learning materials given to me has further enhanced my happiness and resolve to learn.”
Pupils displaying their learning materials donated by UNICEF
Another pupil, Aisha Bello said that she had no regret being enrolled, and that to show her appreciation, she would ensure that she was punctual to school and always do her assignments on time.
“With the books and other needed materials provided me and other children, there is no reason why any of us should not concentrate on learning and doing our assignments on time,” she said.
Joseph Musa, Mustapha Bello and Jafar Haruna also expressed joy over their enrollment into school and for free learning materials given to them.
They said that the books, bags and other learning presented to them by UNICEF, had made them the envy of other children.
A teacher, Abdulhamid Umar, said UNICEF had also provided teachers with teaching materials, adding that it was a sign of good things for public schools in Adamawa.
A parent, Hamza Ishaku, lauded the enrollment drive and thanked UNICEF for providing the learning materials which had reduced parents’ burden.
“UNICEF has done well for public schools and our hope is that the Adamawa Government would ensure that we have qualified teachers to deliver in restoring the lost glory of public school,” he said.
The Acting Executive Secretary of SUBEB, Hajiya Fadimatu Alfa, said that UNICEF’s intervention was unique, because it was happening for the first time the state is witnessing the distribution of such large materials.
According to her, about 202, 874 pupils and 5,050 teachers benefited from the gesture.
“It will amount to ingratitude, if I fail to acknowledge all these giants strides made with support from UNICEF, which has now made our schools better. We are really grateful, ” she said.
UNICEF and the Adamawa State Universal Basic Education Board (ADSUBEB) tracked, enrolled and provided learning materials to 194, 883 out-of-school children in the state.
The out-of-school children were in Girei, Yola South, Mubi North, Fufore and Guyuk Local Government Areas of Adamawa.
