From Muhammad Ahmad Saka, in Bauchi
The Darazo Community in Bauchi State has donated two primary schools in memory of the late Malam Abba Kyari, former Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, and renowned educationist, Alhaji Baba Baraya.
The schools, located in Gabchiyari road and Kawada new layout in Darazo Local Government area, were formally commissioned and handed over to the Provost, College of Education Darazo over the weekend.
Alhaji Usman Ya’u, who spoke on behalf of the donors, said the schools are intended for the less privileged in the community.
He praised the exemplary lives of Abba Kyari and Alhaji Baba Baraya, whose contributions to the development of Darazo and the entire society inspired the decision to build the schools.
Ya’u described Abba Kyari as honest, humble, and simple, who encouraged youth to further their education and acquire knowledge in Western and Islamic education.
“Abba Kyari was a great leader who left an indelible mark on our community.
“He was a strong advocate for education and encouraged our youth to pursue their academic dreams.
“We are proud to immortalize his memory with this school,”Ya’u said.”
He also praised Alhaji Baba Baraya as a committed educationist who spent decades serving his community and Bauchi State in various capacities.
“Alhaji Baba Baraya was a true servant of the people,”
“He spent his life serving our community and promoting education. We are honored to remember him with this school,” he said.
According to him, Malam Ya’u Shehu Darazo, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Political and Intergovernmental Affairs, has donated a total of ₦4 million to support the establishment of two primary schools.
“The donation, which amounts to ₦2 million per school, serves as a take-off fund for the institutions,” Ya ‘u said
Aisha Abba Kyari, daughter of the late Malam Abba Kyari, and Amb. Lawan Bappa, son of the late Alhaji Baba Baraya, both appreciated the community for immortalizing their fathers’ memories.
“We are grateful to the Darazo community for this kind gesture,” Aisha Abba Kyari said. “My father was a man of great integrity and humility, and we are proud to see his memory honoured in this way.”
Amb. Lawan Bappa also expressed his gratitude to the community, saying, “We are deeply touched by this gesture.
“My father was a dedicated educationist who spent his life serving our community, and we are honored to see his memory remembered in this way,” he said.
The Provost of the College of Education, Malami Yakubu, said the establishment of the two primary schools is a milestone in providing education in the community.
The schools will commence with 180 pupils, 90 in each school, and Yakubu encouraged parents to enroll their children, emphasizing the importance of education for the community’s development.
“We are proud to receive these schools and pledge to make them centers of excellence in education.
“We urge parents to take advantage of this opportunity and enroll their children in these schools.
“The event was seen as a significant milestone in the development of education in the Darazo community, he said.
The commissioning of the schools was attended by dignitaries from across the state, including traditional rulers, politicians, and educationists.
