By Awwal Umar Kontagora Following the significant role played by Fulani herders during the 2023 general elections, the Niger Sta...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
Following the significant role played by Fulani herders during the 2023 general elections, the Niger State Governor, Dr. Umaru Mohammed Bago, pledged to bring Fulani communities closer to his administration, to listen to their concerns, and to empower them through government initiatives.
In fulfillment of this promise, Governor Umar Mohammed Bago—himself a farmer—established a dedicated Ministry of Nomadic and Pastoral Affairs. Since its inception, the ministry has unveiled several key initiatives, particularly focused on restoring the dignity and accessibility of education for pastoralist communities.
Across Niger State, particularly in three major regions, there are over 200 nomadic schools. Many of these institutions have long been dormant, while others, though operational, face serious challenges that hinder their impact. Commissioner of the Ministry, Hon. Umar Sanda Rebe, recently embarked on an inspection tour, gathering firsthand reports, which he said would be submitted to the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) for urgent intervention in line with the government’s educational revival plans.
However, despite the government’s goodwill, without a strong foundation, these efforts risk remaining mere rhetoric. Critical issues such as the dilapidated state of nomadic schools and the shortage of qualified teachers threaten to derail any progress. Sending children to such poorly maintained schools would achieve little, as they would gain minimal educational benefit.
A telling example is the Gamu Nomadic Primary School in Maikunkele, Bosso Local Government Area. The school is only about 30 to 35 percent functional. Its classrooms are in ruins, roofs are leaking, and the general condition of the infrastructure poses serious risks to the students. Almost two years into the current administration and the establishment of this ministry, efforts to rejuvenate nomadic education remain limited in scope.
For any real transformation, beyond the government's initiatives, active participation from key stakeholders is crucial. Traditional Fulani leaders, cultural associations, and non-governmental organizations such as the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Kautal Hore, and the Gan-Allah Fulani Cultural Association must take responsibility.
Interestingly, under this administration, many Fulani chiefdoms have been created, and several titleholders have been inaugurated under the ministry’s supervision. Yet, these organizations have not constructed or rehabilitated a single nomadic school. While inauguration ceremonies for traditional titles like Dikko or Ardo have been widely celebrated, the educational plight of Fulani children remains largely neglected.
The state government has also set aside a special day to celebrate the Fulani language—a commendable move. However, stakeholders must do more to ensure that children in remote herding communities are given a fair chance at quality education. This means revitalizing schools, providing adequate learning materials, and ensuring safe learning environments.
The unification of Fulani groups under one ministry is a step in the right direction, fostering unity and community participation. To secure the future of Fulani children, stakeholders must seize this opportunity, align with the government’s vision, and play active roles in rebuilding the educational infrastructure.
The time to act is now—before these initiatives become another missed opportunity.
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