Exactly nine months after Boko Haram terrorists invaded Government Girls’ Science and Technical College, (GGSTC) Dapchi, Yobe State and abducted 110 schoolgirls, academic activities have resumed in full force.
However, while over 104 of the abducted girls would be returning to their studies, having been unconditionally released following a negotiation with the Federal Government, one of the girls, Leah Sharibu, who was denied her freedom for her refusal to deny her Christian faith, would not resume with her colleagues.
The Principal of the school, Hajiya Adama Abdulkarim, told the media on Thursday in Dapchi that, at least, 80 per cent of the students and teachers had resumed.
“More than 80 per cent of the students have resumed, likewise the teachers. Almost all of them are around except very few who are away for one or more official reasons.
“School activities are moving smoothly as they were before the ugly incident,” she said.
Abdulkarim disclosed that the school had taken some measures to alleviate the students’ trauma for effective learning.
“Before the incident, there were no matrons in the school, but now, with the help of the local government and permission of the ministry of education, we have been able to source for six elderly women.
“We instructed the matrons to always be around, especially in the hostels, after class hours, to comfort and encourage the students.
“On the side of the government, the military, police and civil defence personnel have been around the school at all times,” she said.
The principal said the state government had created admission spaces in the school for 700 students in the next academic session.
“By the grace of God, the incident will not happen again,” she said.
She called on governments, non-governmental organisations and public-spirited individuals to assist the school.
“The school needs to be rehabilitated with essential facilities that will attract parents to bring their children to learn and actualise their dreams,” the principal said.
The insurgents released the abducted 110 students a month later, with the exception of four others who were killed and Miss Leah Sharibu still in captivity.