Education

New Classrooms Transform Education in GraShe and GraNangra: Hon. Chief Ephraim Usman Takes Bold Step

Published

2 years ago

May 30, 2024

Preport

In a groundbreaking move to uplift education standards, Hon. Chief Ephraim Usman, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Plateau State, has commissioned two classroom blocks in the GraShe and GraNangra communities of Kanam Local Government Area. These classrooms mark the first formal educational structures the communities have ever had, replacing the makeshift learning spaces previously used by pupils, such as under trees or in neighbors’ compounds.

Driven by a personal commitment to enhance educational opportunities, Chief Usman emphasized the urgent need for quality education to combat crime and ensure a brighter future for the next generation. “This initiative aligns with the vision and mission of His Excellency Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfuwang’s administration to work for the people,” he stated.

The local community played a crucial role by providing the land, while Chief Usman swiftly executed the project, especially timely given the onset of the rainy season. The dedication ceremony witnessed significant attendance, including the Village Heads of Dar and Kwanin districts, SUBEB Chairman Mr. Sunday Amuna, the chairmen of Kanam, Pankshin, and Shemdam LGAs, and PDP women and youth leaders of Kanam LGA, among others.

The head teacher of GraShe School, Mr. Habib Yusuf Aliyu, expressed his gratitude, noting that the new classrooms will significantly enhance learning and serve as a landmark and meeting hall for the community. In honor of notable figures, the GraShe classroom is named Kaka Briskilla Manasseh Mutfuwang, after the late mother of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfuwang, and the GraNangra classroom is named Mama Santali Naomi Usman, after Chief Ephraim Usman’s mother.

The newly constructed buildings were officially handed over to the Plateau State Ministry of Education under the supervision of the Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). This monumental project is a testament to the community’s dedication and Chief Usman’s unwavering commitment to fostering educational development in Plateau State.

The importance of these new classrooms extends far beyond providing a physical space for learning. For the children, having a dedicated, safe, and conducive environment for education means more consistent and effective teaching. No longer exposed to the elements, students can focus better and have a structured setting that supports academic growth. The availability of proper classrooms is likely to improve attendance rates and overall educational outcomes, fostering a love for learning among the pupils.

For the community, these classrooms symbolize progress and a commitment to future generations. They serve as a beacon of hope and development, demonstrating that education is a priority. The classrooms also double as community centers, providing a venue for meetings, events, and other communal activities. This multifunctional use strengthens community bonds and ensures that the buildings remain integral to the daily life of GraShe and GraNangra.

Moreover, this initiative is expected to have a ripple effect on the broader community. Educated children grow into informed and skilled adults who can contribute more effectively to local development. By investing in education, Chief Usman is laying the groundwork for sustainable progress, reducing crime rates, and fostering an environment where the next generation can thrive.

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Education

30 days after, teacher lies beheaded, Oyo schoolchildren languish as Tinubu, Makinde chase presidential ambition

Published

1 week ago

June 15, 2026

Preport

30 days after teacher lies beheaded Oyo schoolchildren languish as Tinubu Makinde chase presidential.png

A month after the mass abduction of 46 Oyo schoolchildren and teachers by terrorists on May 15 and the decapitation of a teacher, the captives remain in the forest despite military claims and political promises from President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde.

The terrorists kidnapped the students and staffers after invading schools in the Esienle and Yawota communities in Orire local council in Oyo state.

Days after the abduction, one of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded by the terrorists, pressuring the government to meet their demands for the release of the abductees.

On May 19, four days after the abduction, the Defence Headquarters, in a statement by its spokesperson, Michael Onoja, said, “Troops are currently deployed and actively operating within the forest in pursuit of the perpetrators and in search of the abducted victims.”

“Troops made contact with the criminal elements two days ago, have since reorganised, and are continuing the search and pursuit operations with full determination.”

The military and the government cited collateral damage as a reason for not taking out the terrorists.

While the schoolchildren and their teachers languish in captivity, Messrs Tinubu and Makinde have been engaging in electioneering as they chase their presidential dreams, both emerging as their party’s candidates for the 2027 election.

On May 31, Mr Makinde visited the hostages’ communities, promising their families the safe return of those abducted.

“This is not the time to start trading blame on who should be responsible for the release of these children between the state and federal government. This is just the time to come together to rescue our children and their teachers, Mr Makinde told the families of abductees. “All I need is your cooperation. Please trust us. I cannot speak much because it has security implications. I know your hearts are bleeding. My heart is also bleeding. Please trust us. We will secure their release.”

Similarly, a delegation representing Mr Tinubu, led by his chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, visited the families and made a similar promise.

In a video released by the terrorists, Rachael Alamu, one of the hostages and the principal of Community High School Esinele, begged Messrs Tinubu and Makinde to negotiate with the terrorists to secure their release.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State House of Assembly has opposed negotiating with the terrorists.

Debo Ogundoyin, the speaker of the assembly, said the state would not pay ransom, give weapons to terrorists or change laws to accommodate the kidnappers.

Several protests have followed the government’s failure to rescue the hostages.

Amid public outrage and discontent, many Nigerians protested across several states, including Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, Bayelsa, Plateau and the Federal Capital Territory, demanding the immediate rescue of the hostages.

In his Democracy Day speech on June 12, Mr Tinubu said, “Though this year’s mood is dampened by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno, we remain hopeful for their safe return. Democracy without security is not solid enough.”

The president urged terrorists and bandits across the country to lay down their arms or face the wrath of his administration.

Education

Plateau Teachers Protest Abduction of Oyo School Pupils, Demand Swift Rescue

Published

2 weeks ago

June 8, 2026

Preport

The Plateau State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has joined its counterparts across the country in protesting the abduction of pupils and teachers from a primary school in Oyo State.

Hundreds of teachers staged a demonstration in Jos, the Plateau State capital, carrying placards and banners to express their anger over the continued captivity of the victims several weeks after the incident.

The protesters called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the immediate and safe release of the abducted pupils and teachers, stressing that schools must remain safe spaces for learning.

They also expressed concern over the growing trend of school-related abductions in parts of the country, warning that such incidents could discourage parents from sending their children to school if not urgently addressed.

The union urged authorities to strengthen security around educational institutions and ensure the safe return of all victims still in captivity.