Mutfwang calls on northern leaders to focus on education for Almajiri challenges

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has called on leaders in northern Nigeria to focus on education to solve issues linked to the Almajiri system and boost the region's growth.

Mutfwang made this statement on Saturday in Demsa, Adamawa State, during the 70th birthday celebration of Boss Mustapha, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

While chairing the event, the governor said the problems tied to the Almajiri system cannot be properly handled without a strong commitment from Northern leaders to increase access to education.

"To address the Almajiri system, it must take the commitment of Northern leaders to promote education and tackle the Almajiri problem, which is against economic and human development," he said.

He referred to education as a key tool for building peace, development, and economic growth. He stressed that communities will find it hard to reach sustainable development without investing in human capital.

Mutfwang also spoke about the role of religious institutions in education and community growth, noting how the church has contributed to Nigeria's development.

"Late Tafawa Balewa established a church because he knew that the church propagated education, and through education, society thrives, peace and economic development take place in communities," he stated.

The governor praised Boss Mustapha for funding the construction of a library and administrative blocks at the Lutheran University of Nigeria in Demsa. He called the project an investment in knowledge and human growth.

He pointed out that the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN) is the third member of the TEKAN bloc to set up a university, following NKST and the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN).

"This is a confirmation that the church believes in knowledge for development and peace in society," Mutfwang said.

Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri also spoke and praised Mustapha for using his personal money to support education and human development in the state.

Fintiri mentioned that Mustapha could have spent his money on personal projects but chose to invest in an institution that benefits students and the community.

"Boss Mustapha would have used this money to build housing estates for himself, but for his love for humanity, he used the resources to build library and administrative blocks for the promotion of education in the country," he said.

Fintiri encouraged other successful people from Adamawa to follow Mustapha's example by investing in education and projects that support human growth.

He said his administration has made education a priority to fight poverty and insecurity in the state.

"Poverty and insecurity can best be defeated with the weapon of education and not bullets," the governor remarked.

Mustapha, in his speech, said his choice to build the facilities came from his wish to help develop education in Nigeria.

He described education as vital for peace, unity, and national growth. He urged Nigerians who have been blessed with resources to give back to society.

Mustapha, who opened the facilities as part of his 70th birthday activities, expressed gratitude to God for reaching this milestone.

"Today (Saturday) I clock 70 years. It is not my making, but by the grace of my Creator, God, so I must thank my Creator for His mercy on me," he said.