Taraba NYSC Members: Gov. Agbu Kefas Approves New Welfare Packages
His Excellency, the Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas.
In a significant move to rejuvenate the educational landscape in Taraba State, His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas has announced a series of welfare packages for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in Taraba State schools.
These measures aim to address the declining growth of education in the state and underscore Taraba’s commitment to fostering youth development and improving access to quality education.
The key highlights of these new welfare packages are as follows:
Monthly Allowance Boost: NYSC members serving in Taraba State schools will receive an additional Ten thousand naira (N10,000) per month, providing them with greater financial support during their service year.
Medical Allowance: A one-time payment of Fifty thousand naira (N50,000) will be granted as a medical allowance to ensure that corps members have access to adequate healthcare services.
Accommodation Support: To ease the burden of accommodation expenses, NYSC members will receive an accommodation allowance of Twenty-five thousand naira (N25,000) per term, totaling Seventy-five thousand naira (N75,000) for three terms.
Employment Opportunities: Exceptional Youth Corps Members who distinguish themselves during their service in Taraba State schools will be offered automatic employment opportunities, creating a pathway for them to contribute to the state’s educational development.
Governor Kefas stated that these initiatives are part of Taraba’s unwavering commitment to providing quality education and ensuring a brighter future for the state’s children.
By enhancing the welfare of NYSC members, the state aims to attract and retain talented educators while also improving the overall learning experience for students in Taraba State.
These new welfare packages represent a significant step forward in bolstering education in Taraba State and fostering the growth and development of its youth.
TSU Welcomes 5,471 Fresh Minds in Grand 14th Matriculation Ceremony
The Vice-Chancellor, Taraba State University, Jalingo (TSUJ) Professor Sunday Paul Bako.
The Vice-Chancellor, Taraba State University, Jalingo (TSUJ) Professor Sunday Paul Bako matriculated the newly admitted students into the various faculties of the University for the 2022/2023 Academic Session.
The Matriculation had in attendance the Vice-Chancellor, DVC administration, DVC Academic, Registrar and Second Class Chief, other Senior Management Staff, Deans of Various faculties, Head of Departments, Students’ Parents/Guardians and Guests from far and near.
The Registrar Mr. Joseph U. Bibinu invited the Vice-Chancellor and declared the programme opened.
The Matriculating students numbering to the total of 5,471 across faculties and Departments were administered oath of allegiance by the Registrar. The students pledged their allegiance simultaneously, and signed the oath form.
Cross section of students at the occasion.
The Vice-Chancellor presented his Matriculation address after standing on the already established protocol, and welcomed all to the Matriculation ground which marked the 14th in the history of the University. He congratulated the fresh students saying that as they will be taking matriculation oaths, it should also be a reminder to them always that the University will not condone any form of indiscipline by the students.
He revealed that out of over ten thousand (10,000) students that applied for admission, only five thousand, four hundred and seventy one (5,471) were fortunate to be admitted into the University even as he enjoined them to make judicious use of the opportunity as they are the privileged ones. He further stressed the need to be law abiding as the university is governed by rules and regulations.
The Professor reaffirmed his commitment despite the overwhelmed financial challenges he met on ground as a seasoned administrator, he has successfully set up some measures to curtail some of those challenges with the establishment of the TSU Table Water, TSU Bakery, TSU FM, TSU MUSHROOM FARM and the improvements of the TSU Press and Clinic to boost Internal Revenue Generation of the institution.
The Digital Professor appreciated the Governor of Taraba State, His Excellency Dr. Agbu Kefas for the 50% tuition reduction, renovation, and other human oriented policies aimed at repositioning standards of education in the state.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Prof. Isa Adamu Ardo who delivered the votes of thanks on behalf of the University Community, appreciated the fresh students, parents and guardians for finding TSU worthy to enrolled their wards for Academic pursuit. He also thanked all guests present at the occasion, expressing delight with the presence of the royal fathers.
The 14TH Matriculation Ceremony of the University was officially declared closed by the most active Vice-Chancellor in Nigeria.
PRESS RELEASE: Unprecedented Results Achieved in Basic Education as Taraba State Initiates Bold Measures
The recent announcement by His Excellency Dr. Agbu Kefas, Governor of Taraba State, regarding the provision of free Basic Education, has yielded remarkable outcomes within a short span. The surge in new enrollments witnessed in our primary and secondary schools over the past ten working days has necessitated immediate action. Following consultations with His Excellency, the following measures have been approved:
1. ICT-Based Registration: Commencing this term, an ICT-based registration system will be introduced. This will apply to Teachers,andboth new and returning students. Ensuring that they are registered will guarantee the provision of essential school materials upon their arrival.
2. Provision of Uniforms and Educational Materials: Uniforms, shoes, socks, and books will be made available by January to support students in their pursuit of education.
3. Sponsorship for SS3 Students: In the coming year, the State Government will cover the examination fees for all SS3 students, enabling them to write both WAEC and NECO examinations. Exceptional students will be eligible for sponsorship and scholarships.
4.Mass Education Centers: Adult learners seeking new enrollment should be directed to the various Mass Education Centers, ensuring accessibility to education for all.
5. Optimizing School Facilities: Schools that have reached their maximum capacity in terms of facilities will implement a shifting system temporarily while additional buildings are provided to meet the increasing demand.
6. Enhanced Benefits for NYSC Members: As an emergency response to the education situation, His Excellency has approved significant allowances for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in Taraba State schools:
– An additional ten thousand naira will be added to their monthly allowance.
– A one-time payment of fifty thousand naira as a medical allowance.
– An accommodation allowance of twenty-five thousand naira per term, totaling seventy-five thousand naira for three terms.
7. Employment Opportunities: Exceptional Youth Corps members who distinguish themselves while serving in schools will be offered automatic employment opportunities.
To execute these initiatives, the Commissioner of Education has collaborated with the Commissioner of Youth and Sports to chart the way forward. The Commissioner of Youth and Sports is committed to ensuring the timely implementation of these new packages for Youth Corps members serving in our schools.
These measures reinforced Taraba State’s unwavering commitment to enhancing access to quality education, fostering youth development, and ensuring a brighter future for our children.
– Barr. Zainab Usman Jalingo,
Commissioner for Information and Re-orientation.
“Visit to Finland Embassy is Symbolic of our Commitment to Better Learning” – Dr. Agbu Kefas
His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas and his entourage during their visit to Finland Embassy in Abuja.
Doubling down on the free education policy, Dr Kefas said free uniform and school books are now part of the package, stressing that January will be the kick off date of the free kits. He said he looked forward to a visit to Finland with his team to get a first hand appreciation of development in education there.
In her remarks, the Finland Ambassador to Nigeria, Leena Pylvanainen, said she is elated at the interest shown in her country’s education policy by the state. She said it is obvious Taraba state is serious about education judging by the seriousness Dr Kefas had demonstrated so far.
She noted further that Finland – a country of about 5 million people, has made education a major area of investment. She said the education policy of the country is rooted in its history. She added that Finland is predominantly Lutheran and the education model is based on an robust tradition.
The visit had the Commissioner of Education, Dr. Augustina Godwin, Permanent Secretary, Dauda Maikomo, Former Speaker Josiah Kente, Hon. Kabiru Jalo and Adiya Uri in attendance.
– Emmanuel Bello,
Special Adviser, Media and Digital Communications.
His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas and his entourage during their visit to Finland Embassy in Abuja.
“Free Education and Reduced Tuition Fees for a Brighter Future” – SGS
Dr. Agbu Kefas during his visit to TETFUND Headquarters in Abuja.
These statements by the Secretary to the Government come amid Governor Kefas’ proactive measures to address the challenges stemming from subsidy removal in Taraba State. Governor Kefas’ commitment to Free Education ensures that quality education is within every child’s reach, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Barr. Gebon Timothy Kataps’ advocacy for free primary and secondary education, coupled with reduced tertiary tuition fees, aligns seamlessly with Governor Kefas’ vision. Both leaders recognize education as an indispensable tool for development and progress, believing that by making it more accessible and affordable, the government can significantly improve the lives of its citizens.
This initiative serves as a buffer against the effects of subsidy removal, safeguarding Taraba State’s residents from the burden of excessive educational costs. Furthermore, it underscores the government’s dedication to prioritize education and invest in the state’s future by empowering its youth.
With the resounding endorsement of the Secretary to the Government, Governor Agbu Kefas’ Free Education and Palliatives program gains further validation. The state government’s unwavering commitment to quality education and financial relief for families reflects their dedication to the welfare and progress of Taraba State.
As these initiatives progress, the expectation is that more students will seize the opportunity to access education, equipping them with the skills needed for success. Additionally, reduced tuition fees for tertiary education will make higher learning more attainable and encourage more individuals to pursue advanced degrees.
The joint efforts of the governor and state officials like Barr. Gebon Timothy Kataps underscore their dedication to the advancement of Taraba State. By investing in education, they address not only the immediate challenges posed by the federal government’s subsidy removal but also lay a robust foundation for the state’s future growth and prosperity.
The Vice Chancellor, members of TSU Chapter of ASSU during their visit to Governor Kefas.
His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas has observed that addressing outstanding payment is not only a matter of financial responsibility but a moral obligation as he ordered the immediate release of three months’ salaries of university lecturers from July to September 2023.
This was the outcome of the meeting of the Governor with the Management of the University and union leaders at the Exco Chamber Government House, Jalingo this Monday while addressing the gathering of management of Taraba State University Jalingo, ASSU, and other Union leadership and representatives of the students union.
Cross section of other members during their visit to Governor Kefas.
The Governor condemned the threat of imminent strikes from the unions and said the issues of outstanding salaries in the Institution was inherited by the immediate past administration of former Governor Darius Ishaku, adding that he is going to address them all.
According to him, he understood the gravity of the situation and challenges confronting the Institution and acknowledged the contributions of the academic staff in shaping the future of the state through education.
He identified dialogue and understanding as a way of resolving problems confronting the Taraba State University, Jalingo, describing the academic staff as builders of dreams and guardians of the future of the younger generation.
The Governor reiterated the commitment to prompt payment of salaries, pension, and gratuity and said he is committed to the implementation of the minimum wage by October, 2023.
President, Student Union Government also present at the meeting.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Taraba State University, Prof Sunday Bako commended the Governor for convening the meeting, describing it as the first of its kind, and for agreeing to offset three months’ Salaries of the Institution.
On his part, the Chairman of ASUU, TSU chapter, Dr Mbave Garba lauded the sincerity of Governor Kefas Agbu in resolving issues that affect the welfare of staff and creating a conducive academic environment.