By Awwal Umar Kontagora In recognition of the crucial support received from Fulani herders during the 2023 general elections, Ni...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
In recognition of the crucial support received from Fulani herders during the 2023 general elections, Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, has pledged to integrate Fulani communities more fully into his administration. To fulfill this promise, the state government established the Ministry of Nomadic and Pastoral Affairs, with a primary focus on addressing the long-neglected educational needs of pastoralist communities.
Since its inception, the ministry has launched various initiatives aimed at reviving nomadic education. Across Niger State, there are more than 200 nomadic schools, many of which are either non-functional or suffering from poor infrastructure, inadequate teaching staff, and a lack of essential learning materials.
Commissioner of the Ministry, Hon. Umar Sanda Rebe, has embarked on inspection visits to several nomadic schools, with plans to present his findings to the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) for prompt intervention.
However, despite these efforts, visible progress on the ground remains slow. For instance, Gamu Nomadic Primary School in Maikunkele operates at less than 35 percent capacity, plagued by dilapidated buildings and unsafe learning conditions. Nearly two years into the current administration, significant improvements in nomadic education are yet to materialize.
The success of these initiatives, experts say, requires active participation from Fulani stakeholders—including traditional rulers and socio-cultural organizations such as Miyetti Allah, Kautal Hore, and Gan-Allah. While the government has established new Fulani chiefdoms and honored cultural titleholders, these groups have yet to play a significant role in supporting or rehabilitating nomadic schools.
Although the promotion of the Fulani language and culture by the government is commendable, addressing the urgent educational challenges facing Fulani children demands more concrete action. Revitalizing nomadic schools, providing trained teachers, and ensuring access to quality learning materials are critical steps toward securing a better future for these communities.
With the Ministry of Nomadic and Pastoral Affairs serving as a unified platform, there is an unprecedented opportunity to coordinate efforts and make lasting impacts. Analysts warn that unless stakeholders shift from symbolic celebrations to tangible educational support, the window of opportunity to transform the lives of Fulani children may soon close.
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