May 6, (THEWILL) – Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has flagged off the training of 1,949 teachers as part of efforts to improve the education standard in schools in the state.
The ceremony was conducted on Monday, at the Waka Biu College of Education in Biu Local Government Area of the state.
The training, according to the Governor, followed a competency test conducted by the State Government which revealed that out of the 15,823 teachers who sat for the test, only 5,257 passed.
He disclosed that while 6,227 performed below the required pass mark but were considered trainable, 4,339 were found to be untrainable.
Zulum explained that while about 1,949 people would benefit in the first phase, the programme would continue to cover 2,730 beneficiaries.
“Precisely, on March 19th, 2024, the government approved the allocation of N1 billion for the training of 2,730 teachers. These teachers will undergo training at the College of Education Waka-Biu and Umar Ibn Ibrahim Elkanemi College of Education, Science and Technology, Bama, for a three-month sandwich programme for 1,884 beneficiaries,” Zulum said.
Speaking further, the Governor added that “about 846 others, who do not have a tertiary qualification, will undergo a full-time NCE programme.”
He said the training was to enhance the standard of education in Borno, noting that each participant would receive the training free with a monthly stipend of N30,000 in addition to their regular salaries.
Zulum also directed that each of the 846 that would be enrolled on a full-time NCE programme be placed on automatic in-service status.
The event was attended by the Senator representing Southern Borno, Mohamed Ali Ndume; the Emir of Biu, Maidala Mustapha Umar Aliyu II; members of the Borno State House of Assembly, the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, and other senior government officials.
Earlier, the State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) commended the efforts of Governor Zulum in transforming the education sector.
The commendation was given by the State Chairman of NUT, Comrade Zali Audu Garba.
“Your Excellency, it is my candid belief that the education sector is undergoing a tremendous transformation, ranging from human and infrastructural development,” Garba said.
About the Author
I am Ladi Dapson, a general writer with thewill. I cover Borno and Yobe states respectively.
I based Maiduguri, Borno State Capital.
I can be reached via [email protected].
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