By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
The management of Hon. Umar Buba Jibril Qur’anic/Islamic School, located at the 200 Housing Unit, Gadumo, Lokoja, has appealed to spirited individuals, philanthropists, and well-meaning members of the public to support the school in the construction of classrooms and the payment of staff salaries.
Speaking on behalf of the school, the Head Teacher, Ustaz Muhammed Yusuf Alfa, said the institution is currently facing a severe shortage of classrooms, a situation that has limited its capacity to admit more pupils despite growing demand from parents and guardians in the community.
According to him, the late Hon. Umar Buba Jibril, who represented the Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency, had donated a parcel of land to the school before his death with the vision of expanding its infrastructure to improve learning conditions.
However, due to financial constraints, no classroom structures have been erected on the donated land.
Ustaz Alfa recalled that during their last meeting with the late Hon. Buba Jibril, he had promised to personally develop the land for the benefit of the school.
“The last time we met with late Hon. Umar Buba Jibril, he promised that he was going to develop the land for the school.
Unknown to us, that meeting would be the last, as we never knew we would not see him again,” he said.
He explained that the lack of adequate classroom facilities has continued to hinder the school’s growth and its ability to provide quality Qur’anic, Islamic, and moral education to children in the area.
Ustaz Alfa further revealed that the shortage of classrooms has often forced pupils to learn under difficult conditions, especially during harsh weather.
During the rainy season, learning activities are frequently disrupted, while extreme heat in the dry season affects pupils’ concentration and overall academic performance.
In some instances, classes have had to be suspended entirely, negatively impacting the school’s academic calendar.
The Head Teacher noted that despite these challenges, teachers have continued to show resilience and commitment to their duties, often working under unfavourable conditions to ensure that pupils receive proper Qur’anic and Islamic instruction.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the School, Alhaji Ali Danlami Ibrahim, joined in making the appeal, stressing that the challenges confronting the institution require urgent intervention from well-meaning individuals and organisations.
Alhaji Ibrahim lamented that since the demise of Hon. Umar Buba Jibril, the payment of staff salaries has become increasingly difficult, placing financial pressure on teachers and other staff members who have continued to serve the school with dedication and commitment.
He described the school as a vital centre for Qur’anic and Islamic education and moral upbringing in Lokoja and its environs, noting that supporting the institution would be an investment in the future of the community.
The management also highlighted that the school caters largely to children from low-income households who may not be able to afford alternative private Islamic schools, making the institution a critical support system for many families in the area.
They explained that beyond Qur’anic recitation, the school places strong emphasis on character building, discipline, and moral values, which are essential for raising responsible and God-fearing citizens.
Ustaz Alfa noted that the lack of classrooms has discouraged some parents who are willing to enroll their children but are constrained by the school’s limited facilities.
He added that teachers have continued to make personal sacrifices, sometimes accepting delayed salaries, to ensure pupils are not deprived of Islamic education.
Alhaji Ibrahim stated that constructing additional classrooms would significantly improve the learning environment, enable the school to admit more pupils, and create opportunities for employing more qualified teachers.
He stressed that timely intervention would help preserve the legacy of the late Hon. Umar Buba Jibril, whose passion for education and community development inspired the establishment and growth of the school.
The school management reiterated its commitment to maintaining high standards of teaching and accountability, assuring donors that progress reports would be made available to stakeholders as projects advance.
They expressed hope that with collective support from individuals, organisations, and institutions, the school would soon witness meaningful transformation that would positively impact pupils, teachers, and the wider community.
Intending donors seeking confirmation or further details can contact the school management through the following numbers:
** Chairman: Alhaji Ali Danlami Ibrahim – 08036073844
** Head Teacher: Ustaz Muhammed Yusuf Alfa – 08167542899
08069595716
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