By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri–
Borno State Commissioner of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, has praised Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for significantly improving the standard and quality of education in the state.
Represented by Dr. Abba Galtimari, Director of Schools Management, Wakilbe commended the governor’s unwavering support and assistance to the education sector, which has transformed the sector to a remarkable level. He noted that Borno State is now a leading state in terms of educational transformation and standardization.
Wakilbe also applauded the State NUT Council for organizing a capacity-building workshop for teachers, aimed at promoting proper school management and educational development.
During the workshop, Wakilbe urged participants to be mindful of their leadership style, selecting approaches suitable for their socio-economic and cultural environments. He emphasized the importance of effective leadership in driving educational progress.
Earlier in his remark, the National President of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Audu Titus Amba, commended Governor Zulum for his unique support and commitment in reforming the educational sector.
“This is the first of its kind and governor who not only first implemented or paid N70,000 minimum wage to teachers and built houses for the teachers apart from schools for the children,” Amba said.
Represented by the National Publicity Secretary Comrade Yusuf Tom, the National President also commended the organizers of the workshop while assuring continuous support to the Borno State NUT Council.
He,however, appreciated the efforts of the State SEC of NUT and leadership style while encouraging them to continue to give the desired services to their members, the people and state at at large.
The NUT Borno State Council, Comrade Audu Zali added that,” the capacity building training was organized to train teachers and principals of the 27 LGs with 3 participants from the union membership and 14 State officials. We have three resource persons from Kano Bauchi and Abuja councils.”
“Due to insurgency it took almost 10 months delay to hold the training but with the return of peace and stability, we returned.
“It is expected that will be a change…., teachers will live up to expectations… change in the manner they handle their pupils and students, change in the manner they manage their schools and change in the procedures of doing things
“Zulum has credibly improved the pension and arrears issues with the release of N2 billion for pension arrears and N4 billion from the N8 billion for the state workers. However, we need more especially on the issue of teachers recruitment although he has twice recruited teachers to bridge the gap.
“On children enrolment, there is tremendous improvement with the issue of total number of students in school across the state with the recent state government free feeding and incentives to parents to encourage them enrol their children in schools . It is presently at almost 80% to say the least.
“The governor has been doing his best and trying indeed as much as possible even better that other governors compare to other states of the federation,” Audu said.
Chairman, Senior Secondary Schools Board, who is also a retired Permanent Secretary, Ali Kaka thanked Governor Zulum for his support and transformation of the education sector in the state.
He however solicited for more support and assistance from the state government for the payment of pension and retirement benefits of retiring teachers which are over 400,000 across th State.
The Executive Chairman also commended the State Commissioner of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation for doing well in the ministry while highlighting issues surrounding leadership circle and developing the minds for dedicated and committed practices towards achieving set organizational goals and objectives.
He also charged them to be active and symbols of emulation while urging them to embrace leadership training opportunities to improve themselves in creating a better future atmosphere for learning of the future generation.
Forum Chairman , LGC Education Secretaries , Borno State, Dr. Mala Kulloma, who is also the Jere LGC Education Secretary , appreciated the efforts and commitment of the State Commissioner of Education while recognizing the chain of educational transformation and standardization as well as quality and improvements in education all facilities amenities across the state at all levels of education in the state.
He also applauded the leadership quality and managerial skills of the state council and all leaders of educational formations in the state, especially schools managers and coordinators, tasking them on quality and standard leadership and management.
The Chairman called on the participants to be attentive and utilize the strategies and standard of doing things as the case with the international practices by ensuring quality education abounds in the state.
