The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has reacted to a report that students of public secondary schools of Sokoto and Zamfara would not be taking part in this year’s May/June diet of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
In a statement on Saturday, PRP National Chairman, Alhaji Falalu Bello, said that “if this shocking report as published by the Premium Times stands to be true, the insensitivity and irresponsibility of the governments of these two states seem beyond description in all senses.”
“The importance of education cannot be overemphasized as it is the backbone of any sustainable development, true civilization, peace and progress. It is only through education the security and prosperity of the posterity can be safeguarded and guaranteed. Thus, being unconcerned with the education of the children of the masses by the governments of Sokoto and Zamfara States implies lack of vision and poor sense of purpose. It is unarguable that education is the most potent weapon against insecurity. If social unrest, tribal clashes, kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and bigotry will be stopped, governments at all levels must give education utmost priority accompanied by provision of job opportunities.”
“How can a government that discourages education promote territorial peace? How can a government that has no interest in education be sensitive to the plight and yearning of the masses?
“It is most dismal and dismaying that the Zamfara State governor that has no fund to register the children of the masses for WAEC could afford to buy and distribute 260 luxury cars to traditional rulers for selfish political reason. Education in Sokoto and Zamfara suffers backwardness because the interest of the governors ruling those states is centered on actualisation of their ambitions, not liberation of the public from shackles of ignorance.”
“Neglecting the educational sector of the state is a misplacement of priorities which heinous consequences more destructive than a cluster of atomic bombs. We therefore call on the ruling governments to provide quality education at all levels so as to curb the prevailing moral decadence and insecurity that have been bedeviling our country.”
“Being negligent with the education of our youth and children is tantamount to jeopardizing the future of our country in general. And, the PRP as the patriotic party of the masses will continue standing with the masses by being critical of any action or inaction that is detrimental to the wellbeing of Nigerians.”
“Finally, we strongly call on the Sokoto and Zamfara State Governments to act decisively and urgently to enable their students sit for their SSCE exams”, Bello added.
