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Zulum Blazing The Trail in Borno Education Sector Despite 15 Years Of Insurgency.
Zulum Blazing The Trail in Borno Education Sector Despite 15 Years Of Insurgency.
By Gbenga Akingbule.
The speed and consistency with which the Borno State government is transforming the education sub – sector by providing free and compulsory education across the state is a clear indication that the state is fast becoming one of the educational advantage states in Nigeria, Stakeholders have said .
The construction of mega schools and provision of instructional materials as well the school feeding program in different parts of the state has in no small measure help to reduce the number of out of school children.
Worried the by the uneviable position as having the highest number of out of school children in Nigeria in 2021, the governor Babagana Zulum leg administration has taken the bull by it’s horn to reduce the number drastically through various intervention programs and projects that have over the years returned Borno children to their classrooms.
” Out of 1.8 million out of school children in 2021, we have taken measures to reduce the number to less that 800. We’re still working assiduously bring down the number ” Commissioner of Education, Science , Technology and Innovation, Engineer Lawan Abba Wakilbe said
No doubt, the more than a decade long insurgency had led many children and their parents to flee trouble areas, thereby obstructing their education where massive destruction to education facilities across the state was evident .
The Boko Haram terrorists whose translation of their name means western education is sin took ample delight in the destruction of schools and engage in continuous abduction of students. Analysts says the distruction of education facilities in the North East Region where Borno state is the worst hit is running into billions of US Dollars.
But the Zulum led administration has shown rare determination , the government is already picking up the pieces and does not want the future generation swim in the sea of illiteracy hence the priority attention to education sector.
To lift off the burden of school fees payments from off the shoulder of parents and guardians , the state government have continued to pay scholarship both for students studying within and outside Nigeria. Orphans of Counter Terrorism Volunteers were not left out as 300 of the them got the total sum sixty-million-naira (₦60,000,000) scholarship for 2024
The state government in its bid to provide the needed manpower for the health sector, recently embarked on the disbursement over N1 Billion as scholarship to student nurses.
” Today marks another significant milestone as we disburse One billion three hundred and five million one hundred and eighty-nine thousand naira (₦1,305,189,000) for scholarships benefiting 997 student nurses.” Wakilbe said
As part of measures to ensure the impactation of quality education to its students the state government has continued to pay prime attention to the welfare of teachers in the state. This gesture prompted the the Chairman, National Union of Teachers ( NUT) Comrade Zali Audu Garba to single out Governor Babagana Zulum as the best performing governor in the education sector.
” The education sector is currently witnessing an astronomical improvement in both with human and infrastructure. Teachers welfare have been given an unprecedented positive attention, the sum of N1 billion is currently being expended on teachers training accos Borno State .we have never had it this good . ” The NUT boss , Garba said
At a recent event in Bama local government area of the state where
Governor Zulum flagged off the second phase training for 781 teachers with the aim of making them more productive and acquiring the requisite knowledge for impactation to its students.
The governor who was represented by his deputy Hon Umar Usman Kadafur at the event says ” It is strategically pertinent to note that Government allocated a substantial sum of one billion naira (N1 Billion) 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.
” On this note, let me use this medium to urge the participants 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.
“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“. Kadafur stated.
President of National Union of Borno State Students also testify to the pragmatic leadership of Governor Zulum in transforming the education sector, saying that Borno in the nearest future can compete favourably with any state in the country.
” We have an amazing governor in Prof . Zulum, he has continued to accord education the desired attention . Our governor has expended almost two billion on scholarship alone this year, this is aside the massive ifrastuctural development in the the education sector and training and retraining of teachers .” Kyari said .
As scars of the past disstrucion by Boko haram terrorists on the education sector is gradually giving way to progressive steps at revolutionizing the sector , governor is eager to continue to blaze the trail
” We will continue to do more to give quality education to our citizens.” Governor Zulum said at a recent event.
*Gbenga Akingbule,
Wrote from Maiduguri
Zulum Blazing The Trail in Borno Education Sector Despite 15 Years Of Insurgency.
At Umrah, VP Shettima Prays for Nigeria’s Peace, Stability
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has performed the lesser hajj (Umrah) at the Holy Mosque of Makkah (Masjid al-Haram) in Saudi Arabia.
The Vice President offered prayers for Nigeria’s peace and stability during the spiritual exercise.
Speaking on Wednesday at the holy site in Makkah, VP Shettima beseeched God’s guidance and intervention for the nation’s leadership and citizenry.
“Our prayer is for peace to prevail in our land. May Allah grant our land peace and social harmony,” the Vice President said.
He also sought divine attributes for Nigeria’s leaders praying, “May Allah grant our leaders, from the President down to our local councillors wisdom , patience and the generosity of Muhammad Rasulullah in all their dealings”.
The Vice President continued his supplications: “May Allah grant us the wisdom to rule our nation well and to govern our people well.”
“Let there be peace, tranquility and prosperity in our nation. This is our prayer and Insha’ Allah, our prayers will be answered by Allah.”
Meanwhile, the Vice President’s scheduled bilateral meeting with the President of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) in Jeddah has been rescheduled for a later date. He is expected to return to Nigeria tomorrow.
The Vice President had flown to Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where he represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the commissioning of a $315 million oil production and storage facility owned by Oriental Energy Limited (OERL).
At Umrah, VP Shettima Prays for Nigeria’s Peace, Stability
News
UNHCR Boosts IDP Empowerment with Donation of Soap-Making Machines and Office Furniture to Borno State Ministry of Education
UNHCR Boosts IDP Empowerment with Donation of Soap-Making Machines and Office Furniture to Borno State Ministry of Education
By: Our Reporter
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has donated soap-making machines and office furniture to the Borno State Government as part of its efforts to empower Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) through vocational training and livelihood support.
The Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, received the items during an official handover ceremony at the UNHCR Sub-Office in Maiduguri.
The donation, which includes two sets of soap-making machines equipped with mixers, crushers, driers, extruders, and tables, as well as 30 chairs and office furniture to replace items damaged by recent floods, reflects UNHCR’s commitment to supporting sustainable development in crisis-affected areas.
Speaking during the event, the Head of the UNHCR Sub-Office in Maiduguri, Nicholas Kaburaburyo, emphasized the organization’s dedication to strengthening partnerships with the government and the Ministry of Education. He highlighted UNHCR’s role in facilitating the repatriation, resettlement, and livelihood reintegration of returnees, particularly through vocational training programs.
Engr. Wakilbe commended UNHCR for its unwavering support, noting that the donation aligns with the state government’s resettlement and empowerment initiatives. He revealed that nine Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centers in Borno are actively training IDPs, with the vision of transforming the state into a hub for skilled artisans.
The Commissioner also directed the Director of Science and Technology to commence training for master trainers at the Borno State Vocational Enterprise Institute (BOSVEI) in Muna, with the goal of launching the IDP training program by January 2025.
Zakaria Ahmed, Coordinator of BOSVEI Muna, and Ali Musa, Director of Administration and Supplies in the Ministry of Education, expressed their gratitude to UNHCR. They acknowledged that the donation would significantly enhance vocational training opportunities for IDPs and improve working conditions within the ministry.
This initiative underscores UNHCR’s commitment to providing humanitarian assistance and fostering sustainable development in Borno State. Through such efforts, the organization continues to make a tangible difference in the lives of those most affected by conflict and disaster.
UNHCR Boosts IDP Empowerment with Donation of Soap-Making Machines and Office Furniture to Borno State Ministry of Education
CP Plateau engage stakeholders in Bokkos council area to address recent threats to the peace
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Adesina, recently visited Bokkos council Area to engage with stakeholders, discuss peace building strategies and find possible ways to eliminate all threats to peace and security in the area.
The meeting which was attended by council Chairman, Amalau Samuel and his Management Team, as well as Community/Religious Leaders, Youth/Women Leaders, and Security Help Groups arrived at silent resolutions for the peace to remain intact during the yuletide period.
A statement from the police spokesman Alfred Alabo stated that during the meeting, discussions focused on salient issues such as the incessant attacks, farmer/herder clashes, and cattle/animal rustling in the council area.
The release noted that the stakeholders expressed their concerns over the rising levels of insecurity within the area even as they pleaded with the Commissioner of Police to help them ensure peace and calmness within the area.
The stake holders also pledged their support and cooperation to the Police in their efforts to enhance security and ensure the safety of residents in Bokkos area.
“They also agreed to work together through intelligence sharing, to identify and address the root causes of the security challenges facing some communities in the LGA.
“CP Adesina assured the stakeholders of his Command’s commitment to addressing the security challenges in Bokkos council area emphasizing the need for collaboration and information sharing between the Police and the community, to effectively combat crime and maintain peace in the area.
“He further assured them that efforts are being made to deploy additional manpower and logistics to major flashpoints within the area, to forestall any future threats.
“Chairman, Amalau Samuel while responding thanked the CP for his unflinching commitment towards attending to their needs and ensuring that Bokkos council area is peaceful and safe for all to live in.
“He assured the CP that the council Area under his watch will continue to support the Police, untill all criminal elements are flushed out.
“The chair warned all those who intend to cause mayhem especially during this festive period, to desist from such plans, as his administration will not fold it’s hand and watch them destroy the fragile peace currently being enjoyed.
“The Plateau State Police Command remains dedicated to its mandate of protecting lives and property in the state.” Noted the release.
CP Plateau engage stakeholders in Bokkos council area to address recent threats to the peace
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At Umrah, VP Shettima Prays for Nigeria’s Peace, Stability
UNHCR Boosts IDP Empowerment with Donation of Soap-Making Machines and Office Furniture to Borno State Ministry of Education
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