Some Headmasters of primary schools in Gombe state say the School Feeding Programme of the Federal Government has led to increase in enrolment of pupils in their schools.
The Headmasters stated this when the National Social Investment Programme Focal Person in charge of Gombe State, Maryam Mele, visited their schools to monitor developments in the ongoing Home-Grown School Feeding Programme of the Federal Government.
They said that prior to the commencement of the programme, a lot of pupils had dropped out of school.
Malam Hayatu Galadima, Headmaster of Central Primary School, Tumu, said the development was heartwarming.
Galadima said: “Initially, there were 800 pupils but as at now, the number has increased to 1,000 following the introduction of the school feeding programme.”
He said he had ensured that seven food vendors posted to his school provided standard meals as agreed in the terms of contract.
Malam Husaini Yakubu, Headmaster of Central Primary School, Kashere, also said that before now, his school had 750, but that the figure had increased to about 1,250 with the introduction of the feeding programme.
He commended the Federal government for the initiative and called for its sustenance.
Another Headmaster, Malam Abubakar Sarkin-Fulani, who is in charge of Central Primary School, Pindiga, also narrated the same development in his school.
According to him, some pupils who dropped out of school have returned, just as parents are now eager to enroll their children because of the feeding arrangement.
He said the population of pupils before the introduction of the programme, was 846, but had now increased to 900.
In her remarks, The Focal Person, Mele, who is also the Special Adviser to Governor Ibrahim
Dankwambo on Social Investment Programme, urged food vendors to provide quality meal.
She said: “I am advising you to please regard the pupils as your own children; always remember that you will render account of your deeds in the hereafter; make sure you give them good food; do not use unhealthy spices.”
She also advised the Headmasters to form a committee for effective monitoring of N-power beneficiaries posted to their respective schools, as well as the food vendors.
In their separate comments, the food vendors said that the feeding programme had empowered them economically and had promised not to betray the confidence reposed in them.
They also thanked President Buhari for enhancing their economic status and prayed for his success in the discharge of his responsibilities.
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