World Teachers’ Day: Gov. Agbu Kefas Pledges Unwavering Support for Teachers
The Governor of Taraba state, His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas.
World Teachers’ Day is a day dedicated to celebrating the invaluable contributions of teachers worldwide in transforming societies through education. It is also a day to reflect on the necessary support teachers require to fully utilize their talents for the betterment of society.
Governor Kefas, while stressing the importance of teachers in shaping the future, declared that in Taraba State, the welfare of both teachers and their students is a top priority. During recent engagements, he reiterated his administration’s determination to leave no stone unturned in reviewing and implementing all necessary measures to make teaching and learning in Taraba State not only effective but also memorable.
He acknowledged that teachers play a pivotal role in nurturing and imparting knowledge to the youth, likening their efforts to planting seeds of knowledge that grow and flourish perpetually, impacting generations to come.
As the world marks World Teachers’ Day, Governor Agbu Kefas’ commitment to improving teachers’ welfare and education in Taraba State stands as a testament to his dedication to the growth and development of the state.
“Addressing Outstanding Payments; a Moral Obligation” – Governor Kefas
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.
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.
Upon his arrival at the UBEC Secretariat, Governor Kefas received a warm welcome from the Executive Secretary, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, and a delegation of directors from various commission departments. The governor began by extending his heartfelt gratitude to UBEC for their unwavering support in advancing education within Taraba State.
In his remarks, Governor Kefas expressed his confidence that the recently declared free education policy in Taraba would be a resounding success, thanks to UBEC’s continued support. He reaffirmed his belief that the commission would stand by him in his mission to enhance educational access and quality in the state. The governor also took a moment to congratulate Dr. Hamid Bobboyi on his reappointment as the Executive Secretary of UBEC, acknowledging his significant contributions to the field of education.
The Executive Secretary also commended Governor Kefas for his ambitious and visionary educational policies, which, he noted, garnered recognition not only at the national level but on a global scale.
Dr. Bobboyi also expressed his satisfaction with Governor Kefas’ proactive approach to the educational sector. The governor had meticulously developed a comprehensive framework and strategies to implement these policies even before declaring a state of emergency on education. The Executive Secretary couldn’t hide his pride in the governor’s leadership style and commitment to transforming Taraba State’s educational landscape.
Furthermore, Dr. Bobboyi assured Governor Kefas of UBEC’s steadfast support in making basic education accessible to all residents of Taraba. This commitment reiterated the commission’s dedication to fostering a brighter future for the state by ensuring that quality education reaches every corner of Taraba.
Among the Governor’s entourage were Barrister Zainab Usman Jalingo, the Commissioner of Information and Re-orientation; Honorable Peter George, the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce; Professor Nicholas Nimesen, the Commissioner for Agriculture; Honorable Nonso Gideon, the Commissioner for Digital Economy; and Yakubu Maikasuwa, SAN, who serves as the Commissioner for Justice.
– Barr Zainab Usman Jalingo,
Commissioner for Information and Re-orientation