A recent investigation by the Gombe State Network for Civil Society Organisations (GONET) has uncovered pressing issues affecting school attendance across the state.
During visits to schools in Akko, Kwami, and Gombe Local Government Areas, the team, led by Mrs. Becky Wayas and Mr. Maina Benjamin, identified factors like hunger, transportation challenges, and social attitudes as significant barriers to consistent school attendance.
According to Wayas, “Habitual practices, parental attitudes, and students’ reluctance are key contributors to low attendance during the first week of school. Many parents undervalue the importance of prompt school resumption, while some pupils deliberately skip classes to avoid household tasks.”
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GONET commended the efforts of government monitoring teams, noting that their visits had helped improve attendance in the second week of the term. However, the group emphasized the need for sustained action to address deeper societal and behavioral issues.
“Reorientation programs, proactive efforts by school administrators, community awareness campaigns, and consistent monitoring are vital to improving school attendance,” said Benjamin.
At Shango Idrisa Primary School, Assistant Headmistress Nenta Ali reported a marked improvement in attendance during the second week but highlighted persistent challenges such as teacher shortages, lack of parental commitment, and students’ disinterest in schooling.
Similarly, at Orji Estate Nursery and Primary School, Assistant Headmistress Hajiya Furera Ahmed pointed to hunger and transportation difficulties as primary obstacles.
“For now, attendance is fair. Many of the students are housemaids, and hunger remains a major issue. Guardians need to be enlightened about the value of education,” she explained.
GONET has called on parents, educators, and government agencies to collaborate in ensuring accessible and quality education for all children in the state.
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