Borno Government increases feeding allowance to 3 million after investigation on special school.
By Dauda Iliya
The Borno state government has increased monthly feeding allowance to the only special school in the state from nine hundred thousand to three million naira.
This was as a result of an investigation carried out by Radio Nigeria Peace Fm Maiduguri anti corruption programme in Hausa Cigaba Al’umma sponsored by Wadata Media and Advocacy Centre WAMAC with support from MacAuthur Foundation on alledge diversion of food items in the school.
Commissioner of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Lawan Abba Wakilbe in an interview with Radio Nigeria said the state government decided to scale up the monthly allocation after paying an assessment visit to the school.
He explained that the Principal has adequately briefed him on the condition of the school including feeding of students which informed the increase and also to encourage children with special needs attend the school instead of begging.
Alhaji Wakilbe remarked that the ministry has also provided bags and other materials as well as recruitment of teachers to enhance teaching and learning, noting that periodic review will be carried out to address the needs of the special school.
Corroborating the Commissioner, Principal of the School Mrs Hauwa confirmed that the investigation conducted by the programme (Cigaban Al’umma) prompted the swift response by the state government.
She said the school currently has over 300 students with 105 blind and 260 deaf students in both primary and secondary level.
Hajiya Hauwa denied the allegation of diversion of food items meant for the students, explaining that the major problem before now is inadequate fund to cater for the students.
“Am happy to inform you that the state ministry of education has come to our aid by increasing the monthly feeding allowance from 810,000 to 3 million naira as a result of the investigation carried out by your programme “
The students have recently complained about poor feeding condition in the school, alleging that some staff divert food items provided by the state government.
The Borno Special school in Moduganari was established in 1987 to provide basic education to blind and deaf students across the state and currently has 365 students.
