Bauchi First Lady Assures Children of Safer School Environment

By Zainab Faruk

Bauchi State First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed, has assured children in the state of her commitment to creating a safe and conducive school environment to enhance their education and overall well-being.

Speaking during an event to mark the 2024 World Children’s Day, held at the Government House, Bauchi, Hajiya Aisha hosted children from various public schools in the state capital.

The celebration, organized by the Bauchi Field Office of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), provided a platform for the children to voice their concerns.

The children highlighted issues such as persistent bullying, corporal punishment, inadequate Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities, and the lack of transportation to and from schools.

They also advocated for safe spaces, free medical care, and improved learning aids to boost their academic performance.

In response, the Bauchi State First Lady Hajiya Aishatu Bala Muhammad emphasized her ongoing efforts through the Almuhibbah Foundation, which focuses on both child and adult education.

She noted that the State Action Committee on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, which she chairs, is actively working with Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) to address bullying and other challenges faced by students.

“It gives me great pleasure to celebrate World Children’s Day with you today. As we all know, children are the leaders of tomorrow, and we must protect their rights by providing sound education, good health, and a conducive environment to enable them to achieve their potential,” she said.

Hajiya Aisha assured the children that their demands would be tabled before the appropriate authorities and urged parents and caregivers to prioritize the protection and education of their wards for a brighter future.

UNICEF’s Communication, Advocacy, and Partnership Officer, Opeyemi Olagunju, commended the First Lady for her impactful initiatives and reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the government in advancing children’s rights, especially in education and health.

The event, themed “Calling on Adults to Listen to the Future,” reinforced the importance of safeguarding children’s rights as a cornerstone for national development.