By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum on Monday in Bama town flagged off three months training workshop for 781 teachers drawn from 19 LGC Education Authorities across the state.
Represented by the Borno State Deputy Governor, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur , the governor added that the purpose of the training is to upgrade the knowledge capacity of the teachers in addressing their teaching qualifications and knowledge deficiencies towards having qualified and experienced teachers at the foundation level of children’s education .
He also noted that for the period of the training, government will pay each of the 781 teacher undergoing the capacity building workshop his or her monthly salary and also pay each of them N30,000 cash through bank account as training allowance in addition to free training benefit for all the trainees.
While urging them to make proper use of the privileges and opportunities in their own interest and that of the children’s education, he promised the trainees that as part of the upgrading system, they will also enjoy the privilege of automatic appointment for the NCE, first degree and even second degree holders at the end of the three months training .
“The programme underscore the pragmatic policy initiative of this government in the critical sector of education, as such, is quite appropriate and timely. You may recall that on Monday, 6th May, 2024, we unveiled phase 1 of this significant programme with one thousand nine hundred and forty-nine (1,949) teachers from 27 Local Government Areas.
” This initiative is part of Government broader commitment to improving the quality of education in the State, as outlined during the inauguration of the Local Government Education Secretaries on March 19th, 2024.
“It is strategically pertinent to note that Government allocated a substantial sum of one billion naira (N1billion) for the training of 2,730 teachers. These educators will undergo rigorous training at both the College of Education Waka-Biu and Umar Ibn Ibrahim El-Kanemi College of Education, Science and Technology Bama.
“The duration of the program is three months, covering one thousand eight hundred and eighty four (1,884) teachers through a sandwich programme and eight hundred and forty six (846) teachers through a full-time NCE program.
.
“it may interest you to note that the aim of this initiative is to address issues of remuneration, retention and most importantly the competency of our teachers in line with national standards.The program is free of charge and each participants is entitle to N30,000.00 monthly stipend, in addition to their regular salaries.
Those enrolled in full-time NCE program will attain automatic in-service status,” Zulum said.
He urged the participant to approach this opportunity with utmost dedication and seriousness, knowing fully well that successful completion of the program and passing the competency test will lead to a review of wages.
The governor added that to ensure adequate preparation, the Ministry of Education has been directed to release an additional sum of fifty thousand naira (N50,000) to all participants while stressing that, government is committed to merit, competency and due process in addressing the long standing challenges which the teaching profession in Borno State is facing.
Governor Zulum, however, acknowledged the effects of policy negligence and we resolved to overcome these obstacles with vision, patience, tact, compassion and resilience while reiterating governments unwavering commitment to revitalizing and enhancing the education sector and also advocated for a robust educational system supported by fairly compensated and deeply motivated staff.
The Borno State Commissioner of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe said today’s event mark the commencement of Phase II training for Seven Hundred and Eighty-One (781) teachers from Nineteen (19) local government education authorities across Borno State.
He added the ceremony, hosted at the esteemed Umar Ibn Ibrahim El kanemi College of Education, Science, and Technology in Bama, is a pivotal step in our journey toward revitalizing basic education in our beloved state.
The commissioner said the challenges facing basic education in the state have reached critical levels, particularly following the cessation of the direct absorption of primary school teachers from their Teachers’ Colleges in addition to the absence of a structured employment framework which has led to various issues, including discrepancies in salary scales and the recruitment of underqualified personnel.
He further noted that the Borno State Government has been confronted with significant challenges in teacher recruitment, remuneration, and retention while stressing that, under the leadership of Governor Zulum, decisive measures have been taken to address these challenges:
“Among others measures, authorization has been granted for the Ministry of Education to reassign untrained personnel from Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAS) to alternative roles, freeing up positions for qualified individuals.
“”A comprehensive assessment of manpower requirements within the LGEAS has been authorized, leading to the employment of suitable candidates to meet those needs and Plans for Phase III of the teacher training program have been initiated, encompassing individuals with Diplomas and those unable to participate in the initial training phase.
“Additionally, arrangements are underway for further education and development programs through the Institute of Education at Borno State University (BOSU) for eligible personnel”, he said.
DISCLAIMER
The OPINION / COLUMN is authored by independent contributors to the National Accord Newspaper. While contributors adhere to our editorial guidelines, they are not employed by the National Accord Newspaper. The perspectives and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not represent the views of the National Accord Newspaper or its staff.