Education dimension of poverty in Bauchi State

Abstract

Multidimensional poverty particularly the education dimension has affected many states especially in the northern regions of the federal republic of Nigeria, thus leading to high rate of out of school persons aged 15- 24 and cannot read nor write. These scenario makes it nearly impossible for them to escape from the trap of poverty. Other defies identified include inadequate qualified teachers, poor infrastructure and insufficient funding. The cumulative and cyclical interdependencies theory propelled the phenomenon under study. In achieving the stated objectives, a qualitative research approach was used and interview method of data collected amid the corona virus pandemic was applied in Bauchi state. Findings from the research indicated that poor political will, parental negligence, paucity of dedicated and qualified teachers with passion on the job, insufficiency entertainment programs for the learners, and shortage of schools across some localities and the suspension of school activities in the pandemic era affected the education dimension. The informants also suggested that government should liaise with traditional leaders to improve school enrollment and attendance. Similarly, Provision of infrastructure such as adequate classrooms, laboratory, library and conducive office accommodation and capacity building for teachers were identified. Furthermore, the establishment of additional boarding, vocational and the Almajiris schools will mitigate the challenges acknowledged in the study area should the pandemic disappeared. The study recommended for the formation and building of physical infrastructure for smooth learning, re-visitation sports competitions, inter-house festivals, ceremonies and the use of bilingual techniques in the schools across the state.