By, JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON, Kaduna.
The famous Capital School Kaduna, established 1957, by the late Premier of Northern Region, Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, is now surviving on its past glory, as 35 per cent of its teaching staff are operating on part time basis.
The Principal of the school Mrs. Zulai. R. Jaafaru made the revelation in an address at the weekend at occasion if its 60th Anniversary and Founder’s Day Lecture and Magazine Launch in Kaduna.
She stated that the population of the students has grown much higher than the time it was established, despite the shortage of teaching staff.
Mrs. Jaafaru said even though the school is facing so many challenges, areas needing urgent attention are employment of teachers, as 35 percent of their teachers are on part time basis..
She also noted that additional teachers in some selected disciplines like Financial Accounting, Animal Husbandry, Commerce, Office Practice, Physical and Health Education, Religious Study, English language, Literature and Mathematics, were required.
Other challenges, according to the principal include student desks and benches, electric transformer, renovation of the classes and toilet, internet cafe, two boreholes, Solar street lights, equipped library among others.
Hajiya Zulai however commended Kaduna State Government for its continued support, assistant and cooperation, especially with the prompt payment of teachers salaries and allowances, the posting of newly recruited teachers to the school and the payment of NECO fees for indigent students.
In his address, the Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, who spoke in Hausa said government would regularise the appointment of part time teachers as soon as possible, adding that education is one of the priority of his administration.
He said although the school which was beyond reach of poor parents like himself, was established for the golden children from very rich people like Dantata, Emirs, top colonial government officials, he only met them when they proceeded to higher schools.
In his lecture, the former Vice Chancellor Ahmadu Bello university Prof. Ango Abdullahi said that the history of Nigeria is very clear, saying that Northern Nigeria’s money was used to develop the economy of the country including the building of the refinery, wondering why the Southerners should describe the Northerners as parasites.
Millions of Naira was realised during the launching of the Magazine, with Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi, as chief launcher.
