Borno State on Wednesday announced a decisive step forward in its ambitious education reform agenda, celebrating the graduation of 1,310 teachers from the fifth phase of the Special Teacher Training Scheme at WAKA College of Education, Biu.
This significant achievement, highlighted by the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr. Abba Lawan Wakilbe, that “Borno State has now moved beyond unqualified teachers”, underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to quality education.
The impressive results of the training program speak volumes about the dedication of Borno’s educators and the effectiveness of the state’s strategic investments.
“Out of 1,310 registered teachers, a remarkable 95% (1,246) participated in the final examination, with an outstanding 99% (1,234) successfully passing. This success rate demonstrates the tangible impact of the Borno State Government’s focus on empowering its teaching workforce.” Wakil declared
This vital training initiative is a key component of the state’s comprehensive plan to ensure access to free, quality education for all citizens and to strategically build a resilient future for Borno in the post-insurgency era through robust educational transformation.
During the graduation ceremony, Wakilbe proudly announced the successful completion of training for the 7,415 teachers identified in the 2021 competency assessment as requiring further professional development.
This milestone signifies a pivotal moment in the state’s commitment to elevating the standards of its teaching profession.
The Borno State Government’s data-driven approach involved a thorough assessment of all Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) personnel, which paved the way for the implementation of this impactful statewide professional development program.
To date, over ₦2 billion has been strategically invested in teacher training initiatives. Further demonstrating its commitment to the teaching profession, the government has also prioritised teachers as the first beneficiaries of the new ₦70,000 minimum wage, recognising their crucial role in shaping the future of the state.
The ongoing Special Teacher Training Scheme, now successfully completing its fifth phase, has provided rigorous and intensive professional development opportunities for teachers across Borno State.
The positive impact of this investment is already evident, with consistent monitoring and evaluation of previous phases demonstrating tangible improvements in student learning outcomes.
This progress is fostering increased confidence in the public education system, with a growing number of parents choosing to enrol their children in public schools – a clear indication that Borno’s vision of accessible, high-quality education is becoming a reality.
In his address, Commissioner Wakilbe reiterated the government’s firm commitment to recognising the achievements of these dedicated educators by upgrading all successful graduates to their appropriate grade levels with full financial implementation. He expressed profound gratitude to His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for the ministry’s initiatives.
He passionately urged the graduating teachers to honour the government’s investment by consistently demonstrating professionalism, punctuality, and unwavering dedication in their classrooms.
Commissioner Wakilbe also extended sincere appreciation to key partners who have been instrumental in the success of this programme, including the esteemed Emir of Biu for his invaluable fatherly guidance and prayers; the AGILE Coordinator and the supportive teams from AGILE and MCRP; and the Provost of WAKA-Biu and the college team for their prudent management of over ₦1 billion in project resources.
Also in his gratitude he included the collaborative leadership of the NLC, NUT, and TUC for their professionalism and understanding and the consistent support of the Vice Chancellor of Borno State University (BOSU) and the Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Prof. Bulama Kagu.
The graduation ceremony was graced by the presence of prominent figures in the education sector, including:
Prof. Babagana Gutti, Vice Chancellor, BOSU, Prof. Bulama Kagu, Executive Chairman, SUBEB, The respected Kadafur of the Emirate, representing the Emir of Biu, Engr. Ibrahim Baba, State Project Coordinator, AGILE, and the State Chairmen of the NLC (Commander Inuwa Yusuf) and NUT (represented)
Also in attendance were the esteemed security officials and all 27 dedicated executive secretaries of education.
In their congratulatory remarks, Prof. Gutti and Prof. Kagu commended the graduating teachers and reaffirmed the government’s immediate commitment to implementing the new minimum wage.
They also encouraged teachers to utilise established communication channels through their respective executive secretaries for the swift resolution of any concerns.
Leaders from the NLC and NUT lauded the Borno State Government and Honourable Commissioner Wakilbe for their proactive approach and for not only fulfilling their promises but exceeding expectations by implementing the new wage structure without prompting. They highlighted the administration’s commitment to fostering a respectful and transparent relationship with civil servants, particularly the teaching community.
Speaking on behalf of the Emir of Biu, the Kadafur of the Emirate offered prayers for the continued advancement of education in Borno State and urged the newly trained teachers to translate their enhanced skills into tangible positive impacts at the grassroots level.
A representative of the graduating teachers expressed deep and heartfelt gratitude to Governor Zulum and Commissioner Wakilbe, pledging their unwavering commitment to applying their newly acquired knowledge and skills to significantly improve teaching and learning outcomes for students across Borno State.
The inspiring ceremony concluded with vibrant cultural performances, celebrating Borno State’s resilience, ongoing rebuilding efforts, and its transformative journey in the education sector.
