The Gombe State Government has discharged another batch of 153 Almajirai, who tested negative for Coronavirus, after spending two weeks in mandatory quarantine.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya was on visit to the quarantine centre to mark the 2020 children’s day celebration with the kids preparatory to their departure to their respective communities.
Addressing the children, Governor Yahaya said his government was committed to prioritizing basic education through the sustained support of both western and Islamic systems of education.
He said no body could manage a child better than his parents, as such, the government would ensure the state’s indigenous Almajirai, who had been returned from various states, were reunited with their families.
“These children deserve to achieve anything in life if given the desired care and attention. I assure that our administration will support them to attain their goals through a sound western and Islamic education. In fact we are committed to bequeathing a good future for them. We shall provide structures and facilities that can accommodate them and take care of their basic needs so that they can learn and attain their goals like every other child. Education is a right and not a privilege” he said.
The Governor encouraged the children to nurse and pursue their dreams of a bright future, citing Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, a minister of the federal republic as one of the products of tsangaya system, who embraced the western education and became a shining example.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Habu Dahiru, said the 153 Almajirai discharged from the quarantine camp were those returned from Adamawa and Bauchi states and were indigines of Dukku, Nafada, Balanga and Yamaltu Deba Local Government Areas.
He disclosed that there are currently 13 Almajirai in the camp waiting for their second test results.
The Commissioner revealed that the camp registered a total of 684 people since inception, including 377 Almajiris and 307 intercepted travellers, adding that so far 671 have received a clean bill of health and were discharged after their second test returned negative.
The Deputy camp Director, Yusuf Danbayo described the condition at the camp as suitable for the children, with the kids taking good meals and having access to qur’anic education as well as enjoying the recreational facilities there.
He said the two weeks stay in the quarantine centre was recreational hence they were provided with all the basic things they needed throughout their stay.
All the 153 discharged Almajiris were kitted with new clothes, shoes and bags containing educational materials and will be integrated into a formal education system under the Basic Education Service Delivery for All, BESDA at their respective localities
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