Zamfara Residents React to Ex-Gov Yari’s Belated Education Intervention

Yesterday, The Spectacles received an announcement from the office of the former Governor of Zamfara State, Senator representing Zamfara West Constituency in the Senate of Nigeria, Senator Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar.

In the announcement, he directed the Chief Coordinator responsible for the affairs of his Head Office in his constituency of Zamfara West, Alhaji Sha’aya S. Pawa (Danmalikin Mafara), and his Deputy, Hon. Isa Abdul’mumin Talata Mafara, to identify ten exceptionally talented young students from each of the six Local Governments he represents: Anka, Bakura, Bukuyum, Gummi, Maradun, and Talata Mafara.

These students, having completed their high school studies and aspiring to enroll in the country’s top universities, are to be provided with free JAMB forms to facilitate their application process. Furthermore, Senator Yari pledged to support their academic journey from the first to the fourth year of their degree studies, covering all expenses.

However, what has stirred both surprise and concern among the people of Zamfara state is the stark decline in the educational sector since Abdulaziz Yari assumed office as the governor. Under his administration, essential support for educational pursuits, such as payments for WAEC and NECO exams, was withheld, scholarship payments to disadvantaged students in Zamfara were entirely halted during Yari’s administration, while teachers in primary and secondary schools experienced worst salary during his administration. Consequently, any discussion regarding the deterioration of education in Zamfara state invariably traces back to the tenure of Abdulaziz Yari.

The sudden shift in Senator Yari’s stance towards education prompts speculation and scrutiny. Known primarily for his philanthropic gestures involving food, cars, and monetary donations, Yari’s record regarding educational support or scholarships is notably lacking. Hence, some residents of Zamfara state question the motives behind his delayed involvement in bolstering educational opportunities in the state when he was a governor.

A prevailing theory among the populace is that Yari’s newfound interest in the education sector is linked to the proactive initiatives of the new governor, Dauda, who has prioritized the restoration of educational standards in the state. Dauda’s efforts to revitalize education stand in stark contrast to the legacy left by previous governors, particularly Abdulaziz Yari, whose governance is perceived to have laid the foundation for the educational decline in the state.

As discussions unfold regarding Yari’s belated intervention in the educational sector, the people of Zamfara state express a spectrum of opinions and suspicions regarding the underlying motivations and implications of his actions.

All of their responses were conveyed in the Hausa language, but The Spectacles has diligently translated them into English, as evidenced provided below:

Anas Abdullahi expressed gratitude towards His Excellency Governor Dr. Dauda Lawal Dare for covering the fees for the WAEC and NECO exams for high school students in Zamfara state. Had he not done so, we would be discussing different matters now.

Jamil Isah criticized the former governor’s failure to pay SSCE fees for eight years during his tenure and questioned his sudden eagerness to take credit now that the new governor, Dauda, has paid. There seems to be a hidden agenda.

Muhammad Aminu Salisu emphasized that merely sponsoring ten students from each of the six local government is not a solution to the region’s problems. He highlighted the need for job opportunities, citing examples of leaders from Zamfara North who have secured employment opportunities for their constituents in the federal government. In contrast, leaders from Zamfara West seem more focused on distributing gifts like cars, food and money, which are temporary solutions. Salisu stressed the importance of sustainable job opportunities.

Job creation is crucial for our community; monetary gifts are not enough. We demand employment opportunities for our people.

In the past, discussions about our region were stifled because the majority of federal government employees hailed from areas like Birnin Magaji, Shinkafi, and Zurmi, thanks to the efforts of their leaders. However, in Zamfara West, including Mafara, Bakura, Maradun, and Bukkuyun, our leaders have failed to prioritize job creation, instead opting for short-term solutions like distributing gifts.

Dalhatu Maishanu raised concerns about the lack of exam results for students who haven’t been able to take the WAEC and NECO exams since 2015-2018 due to unpaid fees. Without results, how can they pursue further studies?

Alh Umar Garba Dangusau expressed astonishment that Zamfara hadn’t paid for the NECO and WAEC exams throughout the former governor’s tenure, highlighting a longstanding issue that needs attention.