News Highlights :

10/recent/ticker-posts

Free education, is a blessing and a curse.

 


I feel guilty writing this piece now that the harm has started manifesting. Saying I felt guilty one may think I am responsible for the act but no it is as a result of not speaking earlier. I felt guilty because I sensed something like this may happen and I didn't write on time to caution until it took a life today. 


The State Government has recently introduced Free and compulsory Primary to Secondary Schools in the state. Looking at my caption in this piece, a question may come up how can a blessing be a curse? It is a blessing because many parents who can't afford to pay fees for their children have some relief, in return the state will also enjoy the evidence of education among its citizens shortly.


Then how did it become a curse? before the year 2015 when I discovered a high rate of violence in our immediate community here in Jalingo I was eager to know its root cause then I realized it was a result of drug and substance abuse. Then you will discover students will be carrying light arms with them to schools to fight themselves and their teachers.


When His Excellency the Governor of Taraba State announced free education I knew many bad eggs that were withdrawn from the school as a result of bad habits would come back again this time around as more arrogant. I wanted to write to the government to take caution in not enrolling them but I don't know what took me this long until it claimed the life of a promising young man whose crime was teaching students.


To contribute my aid to the community I formed and ran an organization that went to schools, communities, and other youth forums to sensitize the youths on the dangers of drug abuse and youth delinquency. it was not an easy task because I had to fund the project as an individual.


I called the government, NGOs, and wealthy individuals within the state to please engage in campaigning against drug and substance abuse in schools and our communities to save the lives of our teachers and parents.


Comr. Anthony Ayuba Saleh.

Post a Comment

0 Comments