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Addressing educational needs of victims of conflict in Plateau IDP camps
Nigeria is ranked as the third highest African country with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) of which 56 per cent of them are less than 18 years. In a recent report by the Displacement Matrix Index of International Organisation of Migrations , there are 73,891 IDPs in Plateau alone resulting mostly from communal crisis and herders/farmers clashes in some of its local government areas.
One of these local government is Bassa in northern Plateau which has being hit with more than 73 episodes from 2015 till date. The worse hit in the local government is Miango District of the Irigwe chiefdom, which according to records of the State Emergency Management Agency, more than 3,000 children have been reported displaced in three communities within few months of eruption of crises.
This has caused setbacks in access to education forcing the affected children to lag behind among their peers in academics. According to the Digest of Basic Education Statistics report, out of the 659,930 children of ages six to 11 enrolled in both public and private schools in Plateau, 335,865 have been estimated to be out of school.
The consequence of these is that towns like Miango and Mistali have continued to experience influx of many IDPs, seeking safety resulting from the aftermath of the conflicts.
For some members of these host communities, the situation has inspired them to think outside the box to seek ways of addressing the education gap of the children. This is through establishing schools to help them especially as there are few public schools to accommodate their population.
One of such schools is Calvary Arrow Nursery and Primary Academy in Miango town which was established in 2020 to help displaced and less privileged children. The school located at a temporary site at the premises of St John’s Catholic Church in Miango currently has pupils for nursery to primary four classes.
The school was founded with 23 children comprising of 10 displaced children and three indigents, and two years later it has a population of about 90 pupils of which 46 are displaced children and 10 indigents.The founder, Mr Amos Emmanuel a graduate of Guidance and Counselling from Federal College of Education Pankshin said in addition to the security challenges, he was also inspired to establish the school by his final year research project on “ The impact of counselling services on traumatic experience of Fulani herdsmen Attack in Irigwe Chiefdom.“
“ The crisis started in 2016 when I resumed my programme but even before I finished school, I saw the challenge and need to help my community most especially displaced children, orphans and the less privileged. The school started in late 2020 when I finished my degree programme. We currently have displaced children from Jiri, Jebbu Miango, Zogu, Kwashe, Rewienku, Nche-shwerishi, Ri-Bakwa from Kwall district, La`ake -Ansa.
“This is to contribute our quota to the community to become a better place and also to give hope especially to these IDPs who lost their parents. We believe that through this school, we are contributing our quota to the community, “ he said.CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PUPILS
The school targets displaced children and indigents. One of its major objectives is to give hope to the despondent mostly IDPs from communities in Miango district and other parts of Bassa LGA affected by insecurity. In line with that for each term, the founder said five scholarship forms are given to each village affected by conflicts in the district.
The school does not organise entrance examinations but children’s Intelligent Quotient (IQ) are assessed, through oral examination to enable their enrolment into appropriate classes.
The school has only three classrooms and does not have enough space to admit the numerous applications it receives, especially because it awards scholarships to displaced children and indigents.
“We mostly focus on the orphans first who are displaced children preferably resident within Miango, to ease the issue of long destination to the school. This is to ensure that they are not only enrolled, but there is also consistency in their attendance. This is because some of them coming from neighbouring villages usually have challenges of transportation to school“ he said.HOW THE SCHOOL GETS FUNDING
The school is one of the cheapest in the area with a fee of N3700 and an automatic discount of N500 to those who are able to pay. This is in consideration of the low socio-economic status of the remote area, and IDPs who have resettled there. The school has seven staff, five of whom are on its payroll while the other two are volunteers.
“ The school is funded by few parents who pay school fees, the little they pay is what we use to pay those on our payroll and other few things that we need for the school,“ Emmanuel said.
However, in spite of its lean resources it currently has 52 beneficiaries on its scholarship scheme out of its 90 beneficiaries. In addition to this, the school management often provide uniforms and writing materials to all displaced children following difficulty of some beneficiaries to resume.
The founder said: “We have given 35 additional scholarships to other IDPs who did not resume to school due to challenges and have requested to resume next session which is September.
In 2021, the financial challenges of Emmanuel to help these children was given a leap by Cedar Tree Worship Centre Jos supported by AVC Nehemiah Germany, a religious charity organisation which offer humanitarian services to communities affected by conflict and natural disaster.
The church visited Miango after one of its crises and awarded scholarship to 10 displaced children who are also orphans from among the school’s 52 beneficiaries, for continuous education till high institution.
HOW THE SCHOOL HOPES TO SUSTAIN ITS VISION
The founder of the school says operating the school has its challenges especially in resources, which has limited their capacity to award scholarship to many displaced children. He said sustaining the scholarship scheme depend on the resources available to it through the fees it generates.
The founder says“ Among those paying school fees, the percentage of the consistent parents out of 100 is 90 per cent and out of the 90, 10 per cent may not finish paying for the term till the next term.
“ If we can get the financial support, we intend to sustain the scheme till the IDPs reach the high institution, knowing that they are able to be useful to themselves and the society they belong, but if our strength cannot take us, we can only reach the secondary school level and even pay their senior examinations, then perhaps get a skill for them.“
Emmanuel says the school needs space for expansion as it gets numerous applications for enrolment for their scholarship scheme and, it is struggling with finding solution to pupils of different grade sharing classroom as a result.“We mix them together because we do not have enough space, like the play class and Nur. 1 are together, Nur. 2 and 3 are together and Pry 3 and 4 are together.
He says finances were required to register the school with the state government.
However, Emmanuel said he remained focused in spite of such challenges and is optimistic that with time and perseverance, the school will grow to become a secondary school.
Even though the school has inadequate amenities such as play materials and furniture, parents and guardians of the displaced children have described the school as a ray of hope to achieve the educational aspirations of their children, as it has enabled them to enroll their children to have a secured future especially as most of them have lost their source of livelihood, homes and spouses.
In all, stakeholders are of the strong belief that support from government, NGOs and individuals can go a long way to assist and encourage the likes of Emmanuel, to realise their dreams of addressing the education needs of displaced children as government alone cannot handle the situation.
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HON. JA’AFARU YAKUBU HONOURED WITH DOUBLE TRADITIONAL TITLES OF CHIROMAN GASSOL AND MARAFAN BAKUNDI BALI
The Member representing Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ja’afaru Chiroma Yakubu (ADC), has been conferred with two prestigious traditional titles — Chiroman Gassol and Marafan Bakundi Bali — in recognition of his exemplary leadership, commitment to public service, and immense contributions to community development.
The traditional honours were officially bestowed on the federal lawmaker by the revered traditional ruler of Bakundi Chiefdom, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad Gidado Misa, the 10th Lamdo of Bakundi, during a colourful coronation ceremony attended by members of the royal family, community leaders, political associates, supporters, and well-wishers.
The conferment of the dual traditional titles has continued to attract widespread commendation from stakeholders across Taraba State and beyond, with many describing the recognition as a reflection of Hon. Ja’afaru Yakubu’s growing influence, grassroots connection, and unwavering dedication to the wellbeing of his people.
In a congratulatory message issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Comrade Bashir Umar Dali, the lawmaker was described as a courageous, humble, and visionary leader whose commitment to humanity and community advancement has remained outstanding.
According to the statement, the titles Chiroman Gassol and Marafan Bakundi Bali are symbolic recognitions of the lawmaker’s selfless service, people-oriented representation, and tireless efforts towards promoting unity, peace, and sustainable development across Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency.
The statement further noted that Hon. Ja’afaru Yakubu has consistently distinguished himself through impactful representation, empowerment initiatives, and developmental interventions aimed at improving the lives of the people.
“Your commitment and selfless contributions to the growth and progress of the people continue to inspire many across Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency and beyond,” the statement read.
Comrade Bashir Umar Dali also prayed for greater wisdom, strength, honour, and divine guidance for the federal lawmaker as he continues to shoulder greater traditional and leadership responsibilities in service to the people.
Observers have described the conferment of the two traditional titles as a major endorsement of Hon. Ja’afaru Yakubu’s leadership credentials and his increasing relevance in the socio-political and traditional landscape of Taraba State.
The titles Chiroman Gassol and Marafan Bakundi Bali are regarded as highly respected honours within the traditional institution, reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional character, loyalty, service, and commitment to the development and unity of their communities.
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EID-EL-KABIR: BELLO BABAYO BELLO COMMENDS TINUBU, SHETTIMA, GOMBE GOVERNOR AS HE FELICITATES WITH MUSLIMS NATIONWIDE
The Executive Director, Networks, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC), Engr. Bello Babayo Bello, FNSE, has extended warm felicitations to Muslim faithful across Nigeria, particularly the people of Gombe State, on the occasion of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, urging citizens to continue promoting peace, unity, love, and national development.
In a goodwill message released to journalists on the occasion of the Islamic festival, Engr. Bello described Eid-el-Kabir as a sacred celebration that reflects the virtues of sacrifice, obedience, faith, compassion, and gratitude to Almighty Allah as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
He called on Muslims to use the spiritual significance of the season to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, support one another, and continue praying for the peace, stability, and prosperity of Nigeria.
Engr. Bello also commended the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his commitment to national development, economic reforms, infrastructural advancement, and efforts aimed at strengthening unity and progress across the country.
According to him, the administration of President Tinubu has continued to demonstrate determination in laying foundations for long-term growth and national transformation through bold policies and strategic governance initiatives.
The NDPHC Executive Director equally praised Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, for his loyalty, dedication, and support toward the actualization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
He noted that the Vice President has continued to play a vital role in promoting stability, inclusion, and effective coordination within government.
Engr. Bello further applauded the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, for what he described as purposeful leadership and remarkable strides in infrastructural development, healthcare, education, youth empowerment, and peaceful coexistence in the state.
He said the governor’s developmental policies and inclusive style of governance have continued to attract admiration and confidence from the people of Gombe State and beyond.
“Eid-el-Kabir remains a season of reflection, gratitude, sacrifice, and devotion to Almighty Allah. It is also a period that reminds us of the importance of unity, compassion, tolerance, and service to humanity. As we celebrate, we must continue to pray for our leaders and for the continued peace, progress, and prosperity of our dear nation,” he stated.
Engr. Bello urged Muslim faithful to extend love and kindness to the less privileged, widows, orphans, and vulnerable members of society during the Sallah festivities, stressing that charity and generosity are central teachings of Islam.
He also commended the people of Gombe State for sustaining the culture of peaceful coexistence, harmony, and mutual respect among diverse communities.
The engineering professional and public administrator expressed optimism that Nigeria would continue to witness greater development, unity, and economic advancement under the leadership of President Tinubu.
He prayed for Allah’s continued guidance, wisdom, protection, and blessings upon the President, Vice President, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, and all leaders across the country.
Engr. Bello finally wished Muslim faithful in Gombe State and across Nigeria a peaceful, joyous, and spiritually fulfilling Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Board of National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC), has extended heartfelt felicitations to Muslims across Nigeria and around the world on the occasion of Eid El-Adha.
In his Eid message, Dogara described the festival as one of the most profound moments in the Islamic faith — a sacred season that embodies the enduring virtues of sacrifice, obedience, faith, and total devotion to God, as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS). He noted that beyond its spiritual significance, Eid El-Adha serves as a powerful reminder of the values of compassion, generosity, and love for humanity.
According to him, the celebration offers an opportunity for reflection and renewal, urging Nigerians to recommit themselves to the ideals of unity, peace, and mutual understanding. He observed that the true essence of Eid lies not merely in celebration, but in the willingness to serve others selflessly and uplift the less privileged.
“Eid El-Adha reminds us that greatness is found in sacrifice, service, and compassion for one another. It is a season that calls us to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, extend kindness to those in need, and renew hope for a better and more united nation,” Dogara stated.
The former Speaker stressed that the lessons of Eid should transcend religious and ethnic boundaries, especially at a time when Nigeria needs collective commitment to peace, justice, and national cohesion. He called on citizens to rise above division and work together in the spirit of patriotism and shared destiny.
“As we celebrate this sacred festival, may the spirit of sacrifice inspire us to build bridges of understanding, promote harmony across our communities, and work collectively for a more peaceful, just, and prosperous Nigeria,” he added.
Dogara further prayed that the blessings of Eid El-Adha would bring joy to families, healing to communities, and progress to the nation. He encouraged the faithful to use the occasion as a time for spiritual renewal, deeper devotion to God, stronger family ties, and renewed commitment to the common good.
“As families gather in prayer and celebration, may this Eid remind us of our shared humanity and our collective responsibility to serve with humility, love, and sincerity. May the Almighty accept our prayers and sacrifices, bless our homes with peace and happiness, and guide our nation toward greater unity and prosperity,” he concluded.
Dogara wished all Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyous Eid El-Adha celebration filled with divine blessings, love, hope, and renewed faith in the future of Nigeria.
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