Niger North Senator and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, on Wednesday, contributed to a report by Senator Usman Lawal Adamu (Kaduna Central) on addressing the critical issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
In his remarks, Senator Sani Bello emphasized the need for innovative thinking and political courage to drive meaningful change in education. He stated, “We all know the problems, but implementation is where we falter. Many politicians prioritize visible infrastructure projects like roads and bridges because the results are immediate. However, investing in education takes time, and its impact may not be seen for five to ten years.”
He urged political leaders to focus on long-term educational investments, despite the pressure to show quick results. Senator Sani Bello reflected on his time as Governor of Niger State, where he undertook the rebuilding of dilapidated schools, investing in facilities like toilets, dining halls, and secure fences. “In some schools, students were forced to go to the bushes at night due to a lack of toilets, leading to fatal snake bites. This is unacceptable,” he recounted.
He called for collaboration between the federal and state governments to ensure a sustained commitment to education, urging leaders to prioritize the future over short-term political gains. “Our conscience should guide us. We must remember the quality of education we received and ensure future generations have even better opportunities.” He Concluded
