Grace Omachoko
The Bauchi State Government has commended a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployed to the state, Miss Rahila Garba, for constructing a block of two classrooms worth N3.5 million in Gudun Hausawa Primary School, a suburb of Bauchi metropolis.
Caretaker Chairperson of Bauchi Local Council, Zainab Baba-Takko, lauded Garba for embarking on the project and promised that the state government would commence renovation of other parts.
The Bauchi NYSC State Coordinator, Rifkatu Yakubu, said corps members had been encouraged by the scheme to integrate with their host communities to find out their challenges and proffer solutions where necessary.
During the commissioning, the corps member, who was serving in the Office of the Bauchi State Head of Civil Service, stated that the project, solely financed by Habibu Engineering Nigeria Limited, was inspired after she visited some schools and found out how uncomfortable the pupils were in class.
She stated that the sight of pupils sitting under the tree to learn caught her attention, when she visited the school and realised that the already existing structure was dilapidated.
She said: “It was this horrible experience that gave birth to the idea for the construction of additional classrooms. At first, it was not easy to bring this idea to life considering my financial status. But because I was determined and so passionate to see that this project comes to life, I decided to make some consultations of what it will cost for the construction of the entire project and I began to shuttle here and there seeking approval and doing some paperwork.”
“Finally, I got the approval of Habibu Engineering Nigeria Limited for sponsorship. I am proudly saying that this project today is completed and it will be officially commissioned to commence class activities here.”
She called on the state government and well-to-do individuals to help in providing the school with chairs and other furniture.
The Public Relations Officer, Habibu Engineering Nigeria Limited, Salmanu Baba, said the project, estimated at about N3.5 million, was completed within 39 days.