Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has raised the monthly feeding allowance of students of the State Special School (SSS), Moduganari, to N3 million.

The increase followed an anti-corruption programme in Hausa, entitled ‘Cigaba Al’umma’ sponsored by Wadata Media Advocacy Centre (WAMAC) with support from MacArthur
Foundation.

According to WAMAC, the investigation was on alleged diversion of food in the special schools in Moduganari community.

Confirming the development, yesterday, in Maiduguri, Commissioner for Education, Sciences, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe, said: “The increase in feeding allowance of students from N810,000 to N3 million a month was approved by the governor, after an assessment visit to the school this year.”

He explained that the principal of the school had briefed him on the condition of the institution, including the state of feeding students.

The commissioner, therefore, urged parents and guardians to encourage their children and wards with special needs to go to school, instead of begging.
He added that the ministry also provided school bags and other materials as well as recruited teachers to enhance teaching and learning.

Periodic review, he noted, will be conducted to address the needs of the school.
The principal, simply identified as Hauwa, confirmed that the investigation conducted by the programme prompted the swift response of Governor Zulum.

She said the school has over 365 students with 105 blind and 260 deaf students at both primary and secondary levels. She denied the allegation of diversion of food items meant for the students, explaining that the major problem before now was inadequate funds to cater for the students.

“I am happy to inform you that the state’s Ministry of Education has come to our aid by increasing the monthly feeding allowance from N810,000 to N3 million, as a result of the investigation carried out by Peace FM radio,” she said.

The students recently complained about poor feeding in the school, alleging that some staff diverted food items provided by the state government.

The Moduganari school was established in 1987 to provide basic education to blind and deaf students across the state.