The Senate Committee on Basic and Secondary Education on Monday expressed commitment to mitigate the impact of insecurity on basic and secondary education in the country by ensuring sufficient appropriation.

Vice chairman of the committee, Akon Eyakenyi (PDP), representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, gave the assurance when she led members of the committee on an oversight function to the FCT Universal Basic Education Board.

Ms Eyakenyi lamented that schools were grossly affected by the security challenges bedevilling the country, adding that students and teachers were kidnapped daily.

The lawmaker said the foundation of education was very important, which UBEB was responsible for.

“If the foundation is faulty, then everything cannot work. Therefore, the role of UBEB is most important. The education we all know is the bedrock of every good thing.

“When we fail in that, the nation fails. How do we go about this; we must ensure that the infrastructure that the students and teachers need is there.”

Responding, the executive chairman of FCT UBEB, Alhassan Sule, emphasised the need for the government to ensure that every child was allowed to acquire primary education.

“My little observation from the Boko Haram terrorist when I was in captivity; what I think they lack is quality education.

“Because Boko Haram have misconception and wrong ideology about western education that is why they said they are Boko Haram.

“Therefore, we need to ensure that with the introduction of basic and free education we must ensure that every child is given that opportunity,” Mr Sule said.

The committee visited Federal Government Boys College, Abuja, and GAAT International School on oversight functions.

The visits evaluate the ongoing 2022 Personal Auditing being carried out by the Universal Education Commission in conjunction with the Universal Basic Education Board. 

(NAN)