Bauchi residents have called for the reintroduction of a homegrown school feeding programme to boost school admissions. Speaking with the news agency of Nigeria, the residents reiterated that the move will enhance learning in public primary schools.
One of the community members, Samuel Garba, condemned the cancellation of the school feeding programme. According to him, the initiative has tremendously brought life to public schools in the state.
Another resident, Malam Isa, emphasized that the scheme encourages parents to enrol their children in school. Additionally, it motivated public school students to be attentive and accountable during school hours.
The members highlighted that the local economy will be impacted positively as it fosters job opportunities for residents. However, school attendance in rural areas has reportedly been negative following the suspension of the programme.
In response, a community member, Ahmed Mohammed, calls for government intervention in prioritising the campaign reactivation. He reiterated that restoring the campaign will enhance educational outcomes and support local government growth.
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Before this, occupants in federal housing estates built for Bauchi low-income earners have protested over the planned eviction from their homes. The occupants appealed to the Nigerian president to stop the move and protect them from being forced out.
The tenants disclosed that they are being forced out by the federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, along with the Nigerian Air Force. Amid the eviction concerns, the secretary of the residents’ group, Mohammed Kabir, urged President Tinubu to recognise their contributions in maintaining the estate.
