By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Bauchi State Commissioner of Education, Dr Jamila Mohammed Dahiru has stated that inclusive data is more than just numbers; it represents the diverse experiences and needs of every individual within the population.
The Commissioner was speaking at the commemoration of the 2024 World Population Day held at the Conference Hall of the Abubakar Umar Secretariat, Bauchi on Thursday.
Jamila Dahiru stressed that, “By leveraging on accurate and comprehensive data, we can make informed decisions that will ensure equitable access to vital services including education, health, power, and water. These ultimately foster a more resilient society.”
She stressed that, “This annual global event serves as a crucial reminder for nations to reflect deeply on the complex interplay between population dynamics and sustainable development. It is a day to examine how population trends can influence our efforts to create equitable and prosperous societies.”
The Commissioner added that Population growth brings both opportunities and challenges stating that,”On one hand, a growing population can lead to a vibrant and dynamic society, filled with potentials for innovation and economic growth. On the other hand, it can strain our resources and infrastructure if not managed carefully.”
According to her, “This is more reflective in the field of education. As the number of ou students increase, we must delve in crucial investment in educational facilities, teacher recruitment and training, as well as provision of other learning resources are geared toward ensuring reliable Inclusive education data for effective planning and decision making in the state.”
She added that,”Inclusive data plays a pivotal role in this endeavor. By collecting and analyzing data that reflects the diverse experiences of our population, we can identify gaps and target our interventions more effectively.”
“For example, data on school attendance, dropout rates, and academic performance help us understand the barriers faced by different groups of our students and thus develop strategies to address them. This data-driven approach ensures that our policies are grounded in reality and designed to the specific needs of our communities,” She said.
The Commissioner also said that, “Furthermore, inclusive data allows us to monitor our progress and hold ourselves accountable. It provides a clear picture of where we stand and what needs to be done to achieve our goals. For instance, by tracking the enrolment and completion rates of girls in education, we can ensure that gender parity remains one of our priorities. Similarly, data on the inclusion of children with special needs help us create more supportive learning environments for all students.”
She stressed that,”Therefore, as we celebrate this day, I want to assure you that Bauchi state Ministry of Education under the leadership and stewardship of our Executive Governor, His Excellency Senator (Dr) Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir is committed to leverage on the power of inclusive data to create an educational system that is not only resilient but also equitable.”
The Commissioner added that, “I want to conclude by saying that the challenges posed by population growth are significant, but they are not insurmountable. With the right data, informed policies and a steadfast commitment to equity, we can navigate these challenges and create a brighter future for all.”
“And we understand that this requires collective effort from all stakeholders, including government, educators, parents, and the community at large Therefore, let us work together and prioritize the needs of our population to build a futur where every individual has the opportunity to succeed,”.
Jamila Dahiru concluded saying,”I extend a warm welcome to our esteemed partners who have been instrumental in supporting our efforts to improve education in Bauchi State under the leadership of our able Governor, His Excellency Senator Bala Muhammed. The theme for this year International Population Day ‘Embracing the Power of Inclusive Data Towards a Resilient and Equitable Future for All’ is both timely and essential.”
In his remarks, Commissioner, Ministry of Budget, Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination, Aminu Hammayo commemded UNFPA for the support to the State Government towards improving human existence.
Represented by the Director, Donor Coordination, Usman Mohammed, the Commissioner said data is being collated especially that of women for proper planning.
He assured that the Ministry will continue to cooperate with UNFPA in ensuring that accurate data is always available to enhance proper planning and implementation of policies and programmes.
The celebration was organised by the Bauchi State office of the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) in conjunction with relevant agencies and stakeholders.
