North-East Faces Extreme Poverty, Says VP Shettima
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has expressed that the North-East region of Nigeria is grappling with extreme poverty. He praised the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) for its efforts in investing in education to help lift the region out of poverty.
Speaking at a meeting with the NEDC management at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Shettima commended the commission for its work in the Accelerated Senior Secondary Education Programme (ASSEP), noting that education is the most powerful tool for transformation. He described ASSEP as a “game-changer,” emphasizing that education is the greatest equalizer, allowing even the children of peasants to become influential figures.
Shettima highlighted the innovative use of Virtual Reality (VR) headsets in the program, saying that they are revolutionizing the learning experience, improving engagement, and making education more accessible. He pointed out that ASSEP’s digital platforms allow for the scaling up of teacher training and student access, helping to bridge the educational gap in the region.
The Vice President also discussed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, urging the NEDC, the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, and other partners to work together efficiently. He called the NEDC one of the country’s most vital organizations, praising its focus on both infrastructure and education, which he believes will have long-lasting positive impacts on the region.
Shettima noted that the North-East is among the poorest regions, with poverty levels exceeding those of countries like Chad, Niger, and even Afghanistan. He pointed out that this extreme poverty has contributed to the rise of militant groups such as Boko Haram and the Janjaweed militia.
The Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, echoed Shettima’s sentiments, saying that ASSEP aligns with the administration’s broader efforts to enhance secondary education across Nigeria. He emphasized the government’s commitment to capacity building, scholarships, and upgrading educational infrastructure.
NEDC Managing Director, Alhaji Mohammed Alkali, also highlighted the commission’s contributions to the educational sector, including the establishment of ICT training centers, teacher training programs, and the development of educational facilities throughout the North-East.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the NEDC presented VR headsets to the Vice President as a symbolic gesture of their commitment to transforming education in the region.
