Nigerian Concord Newspaper
In a significant move to improve education for displaced children, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management (MoHADM) and the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), Sir James Iorpuu, led an official delegation alongside the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Basic Education (MoBE), Mrs. Bibiana Tyoishi, to assess the state of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) schools in Benue State.
The assessment covered key IDP camps, including Ichwa, Abagena, Mbayongo Mega Camp, and Daudu II. The visit aimed to evaluate the learning conditions, infrastructural challenges, and overall educational standards in these schools.
Representing the PS of MoHADM and BSEMA, Orseer Zege reassured IDPs of the government’s unwavering support, emphasizing that the visit underscored the administration’s dedication to addressing the educational needs of displaced children.
He highlighted that most IDP schools rely on support from various Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). He specifically mentioned that:
Ichwa IDP School is run by Care River NGO, headquartered in Jos.
Daudu II IDP School is managed by Restore Mission International.
Several other NGOs contribute significantly to running IDP schools across the state.
During engagements with IDP camp managers, Mrs. Bibiana Tyoishi stressed the urgency of evaluating the schools to report back to the Governor for necessary interventions. She outlined major concerns, including:
A daily increase in student population due to the growing IDP community.
High illiteracy rates among displaced children.
Severe teacher shortages and lack of trained educators.
Inadequate school infrastructure, including poor classroom conditions.
A lack of modern learning resources and skills-based education.
GOVERNMENT AND STAKEHOLDER COLLABORATION.
Accompanying the PS of Basic Education were key officials from the Ministry, including:
1. Mrs. Regina Akpede – Director of Special Duties and Basic Education
2. Mrs. Waya Fidelia – Director of Business Education
3. Mrs. Erdoo Mbatsav – Director of Quality Assurance
4. Mr. Akula Augustine – Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics
5. Mr. Veuno Demevande – Executive Director of Mass Literacy Education
Mrs. Tyoishi commended Governor Hyacinth Alia’s visionary leadership, particularly his commitment to the welfare of IDPs, prompt payment of salaries, ongoing infrastructure development, and enhanced security across the state.
She also appreciated BSEMA, NGOs, and security agencies for their relentless efforts in supporting IDPs, urging continued partnership to uplift education in displacement camps.
A CALL FOR URGENT ACTION.
With the increasing number of displaced children in Benue State, the government and stakeholders recognize the urgent need for improved funding, recruitment of qualified teachers, and infrastructural upgrades to ensure IDP schools meet global educational standards.
As the delegation concludes its assessment, recommendations will be forwarded to the Governor, with expectations for swift intervention to enhance learning conditions and secure a better future for IDP children in Benue State.