FG begins reconstruction of Chibok school

L-R: Principal, Government Secondary School, Chibok, Hajiya Asabe Kwambula; Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency, Mohammed Sidi; Representative of President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; and Nigerian Army Engineer, Brig.-Gen. Emico Eruwa, at the laying foundation of new Government Secondary School, Chibok, in Borno... on Thursday | credits: NAN

President Goodluck Jonathan has laid the foundation stone for the reconstruction of Government Secondary School, Chibok, which was destroyed by Boko Haram

A statement from the ministry of finance stated that the President, who was represented by the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said his administration was determined to root out insurgency in the North-East region to enable residents of the area return to normal life.

The president in the statement was quoted to have said, “We sympathise with the Chibok community. We know what you are going through. But I want to assure you that we are working day and night to make sure that life returns to normal both in your community and all others affected by terrorism.

“This administration promised to rebuild the Government Secondary School in Chibok which was destroyed by terrorists. Today, I am laying the foundation for the remodelling and reconstruction of this school.

“We want our students to go back to school. We want them to get the education they need to live a decent life. We will support them and we will do everything we can to support their parents and the entire community.

“We will also not forget the Chibok girls. We are working hard to ensure that they return home. As a father, I can feel the pain of the parents. What happened was tragic. But I want you to know that this administration cares. We will not abandon our children. We are with you.”

The reconstructed Chibok school, according to the statement, is expected to have a state of the art library and laboratory, computer and ICT center, a sports arena and a clinic.

For security, it added that the new school complex would have a gate house and observation post to be manned by well-equipped security agents.

Given the fact that most of the staff quarters, including that of the Principal, were destroyed during the attack, it said a new staff accommodation and a principal house would be constructed.

The school will run on solar power, and a water reservoir will be built for the new dormitories. The reconstructed school will include a brand new administration block.

Over 3,000 students in Chibok have been unable to return to school since the deadly attack by Boko Haram in the community.

While the President said this was unacceptable, he noted that while serious efforts are still being made to rescue the kidnapped girls, the students that are currently at home should be supported to return to school.

Most importantly, he stated that the kidnapped girls should return to a community that had seen some improvement in their absence.

The principal of the school, Hajiya Asabe Ali Kwambula, commended the Federal Government for its support so far to the community.