PMB APPOINTS BARR. SMOOTH, OTHERS INTO NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR NOMADIC EDUCATION.

The following persons from the Niger Delta are reported to have been    appointed into the above commission by President Muhammadu Buhari, to represent their various states.

They are:

1. Opuene Olali M.E - Bayelsa

2. Barrister Smooth - Delta

3. Ibifuro thompson Tantua - Rivers.

The objectives of the Commission are to-

(a)    formulate policy and issue guidelines in all matters relating to nomadic education in Nigeria;

(b)    provide funds for-

(i)     the research and personnel development for the improvement of nomadic education in Nigeria;

(ii)    the development of programmes on nomadic education;

(iii)    equipment, other instructional materials (including teaching aids and amenities), construction of classrooms and other facilities relating to nomadic education;

(c)    arrange effective monitoring and evaluation of the activities of agencies concerned with nomadic education;

(d)    establish, manage and maintain primary schools for nomadic children.

In addition to the objectives, the Commission shall-

(a     implement guidelines and ensure geographical spread of nomadic education activities and targets for the nomadic people who cross State boundaries;

(b)    liaise with the Livestock Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and with the State Governments to form an effective inter-Ministerial Committee that will carve out reserves, settlements, grazing areas and dams for the nomadic people;

(c)    establish schools in the settlements carved out for nomadic people;

(d)    co-operate with other participating Ministries and agencies, including

(i)     the Ministry of Health;

(ii)     the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development;

(iii)    the Ministry of Water Resources;

(iv)   the Ministry of Information and National Orientation;

(v)    the Ministry of Culture and Tourism;

(vi)   the Ministry of Internal Affairs;

(e)    ensure effective inspection of nomadic education activities in Nigeria, through the sections in Federal and State Ministries of Education, performing duties relating to nomadic education;

(f)     collate, analyse and publish information relating to nomadic education in Nigeria and obtain from the States and from other sources, such information as is relevant to the discharge of its functions under this Act;

(g)    determine standards of skills to be attained in nomadic schools established by the Commission, and review such standards from time to time;

(h)    prepare reliable statistics of nomads and their children of school age;

(i)     act as the agency for channelling all external aid to nomadic schools in Nigeria;

(j)     subject to the provisions of sections 11 and 12 of Part V of this Act, receive block grants and funds from the Federal Government or any agency authorised in that behalf, particularly the National Primary Education Commission and allocate them to all nomadic schools in accordance with such formulas as may be laid down by the President;

(k)    ensure effective and equitable management of funds accruing to the Commission under this Act;

(l)     disburse funds for all authorised expenditure, including-

(i)     payment of emoluments and overheads;

(ii)    procurement of equipment and all other materials required by the Commission;

(iii)    contribution towards provisions of settled or mobile classrooms and instructional materials;

(iv)   contribution towards the acquisition of sites for the establishment of schools and supporting grazing reserves;

(v)    all other payment relating to the performance of its functions under this Act; and

(m)   undertake any other action desirable for the promotion of its responsibilities for nomadic education, including soliciting for funds and other support activities, organising  activities to promote peaceful co-existence between the nomadic people and settled farmers and formation of inter-disciplinary and sectoral committees with Ministries, agencies and communities.