From Halima Ibrahim,  Kaduna

The Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe has said that the state government is poised at ensuring all round human capital development, without which the society cannot progress.

She expressed this on Tuesday, while hosting the youngest ever student of the Oxford University at the age of six, Joshua Beckford at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna.

“Government of Kaduna believes strongly that without proper Human capital, there would be no development,” she said.

She explained that in view of that, the Kaduna State Government embarked on reforming of the education sector that saw to the sacking and replacement of unqualified teachers.

“What the govt is trying to do is make the public schools comfortable. To make the school appealing, getting qualified teachers that would provide quality we need for our children.

“You will be surprised that a school here in Kaduna metropolis has more than 25,000 pupils.

“Our target is to have at least 40 pupils in one class. Joshua’s story is very interesting and I see a situation where many write off children with autism and instead focus on what is negative with them,” she said.

She said that such children with special needs need to be encouraged and made to understand that they can become great.

“We have to let them know that there is no challenge in life we can’t surmount when we have encouragement from parents and teachers .

“You being in Kaduna, you will give the whole of the state something to look forward to. Thank you so much Joshua for being in Kaduna, nobody will know you are not Kaduna boy now, maybe we will give you a Kaduna name.

“Thank you very much for the partnership with us Kaduna has policy of encouraging giros free education up to 12 years and nine years for boys,” she said.

Joshua Beckfords in his remarks, said that when he was a baby, he was encouraged by his dad, while he sat on his laps when working on the computer.

He said at age of six, he was hoping to go to university.

” I studied hard and got five distinctions. There are challenges, but we can overcome. I am still learning more as a child, hoping to grow up to be a role model,” he added.