By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku , Lafia
In a move to deepen collaboration between the Nasarawa State Government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Hon. Umbugadu Ayuba Ahmed, Special Assistant to Governor Abdullahi Sule on NGO Affairs, has paid a familiarization visit to the Bilingual Education Project office in Lafia.
The visit, which was aimed at strengthening synergy for community-driven development, highlighted key issues surrounding street children, educational inclusion, and security interventions.
Hon. Ayuba expressed appreciation for the Bilingual initiative’s impact, particularly in redirecting Almajiri children from the streets to formal education.
He described the effort as a vital contribution to the governor’s vision of an educated, secure, and prosperous Nasarawa.
“This meeting is to establish a working relationship and ensure that the governor’s vision for social reform and educational empowerment is supported by all stakeholders,” Ayuba said.
“We have to build synergy, create teamwork, and help NGOs function effectively within our communities.”
He acknowledged significant progress made by the initiative in reducing the population of street children but identified challenges around profiling and monitoring undocumented youths.
Ayuba advocated for greater government support and encouraged NGOs to build financial and technical self-reliance.
“While partners have been supportive, NGOs must work towards internal strength and sustainability.
They must develop independent mechanisms to ensure their activities remain impactful and consistent,” he added.
In her response, the State Program Manager of the Bilingual Education Project, Hajiya Zainab Magaji, said the project was designed to address the educational needs of marginalized Almajiri children through a unique blend of Arabic and English instruction.
She revealed that three boarding schools are nearing completion in Kwandare (Lafia LGA), Wamba, and Nasarawa, strategically located across the three senatorial districts of the state.
“The goal is to integrate these children into mainstream education through a culturally sensitive approach. Each facility will accommodate 70% boys and 30% girls,” she stated.
Hajiya Zainab explained that the project has a well-defined sustainability plan that involves direct community engagement. Local unions have been formed and recognized under the supervision of the Center for Research and Career Development to support outreach efforts.
She commended Governor Sule for his approval of identified kits and mobility stipends for these volunteers to ease their community-level operations.
Also speaking, Imam Gwani Abdullahi Aliyu, Chairman of the Nasarawa State Chapter of the Qur’anic Reciters Association of Nigeria, applauded Governor Sule’s support to Islamic and formal education, particularly the Bilingual Education Project, which he described as “a major step toward inclusive societal reform.”
The visit marked a renewed commitment by the government to expand partnerships, promote inclusive education, and reinforce social security measures in Nasarawa State.
For more community impact stories, visit www.rimawaglobalnews.com.ng or follow @RimawaGlobalNews on social media.
