The Borno State Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation has successfully concluded Phase IV of its teacher training program, with 1,181 teachers from 19 Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs) participating.
The graduation ceremony was held on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at the Umar Ibn Ibrahim El-Kanemi College of Education, Science, and Technology (UIIECEST) in Bama. The training, conducted under the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project, aims to enhance the capacity and qualifications of teachers across the state.
In his address, the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, conveyed a message from His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was in Chad overseeing the repatriation of nearly 8,000 Borno State indigenes.
“I extend the warmest greetings from His Excellency, Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum. His commitment to education remains unwavering, as evidenced by the state’s continuous investment in teacher training and development,” Engr. Wakilbe stated.
The Commissioner acknowledged some initial challenges in program implementation, revealing that 133 teachers who had received mobilization funds failed to attend the training. However, he noted that they later returned after learning of the government’s minimum wage implementation.
A key highlight of the program was the post-training assessment, conducted under the supervision of Professor Babagana Gutti, Vice Chancellor of Borno State University. Of the 878 teachers who attended, 810 successfully passed.
“The names of the 68 teachers who did not pass, as well as those who failed to attend, will be submitted to their respective local government authorities by Monday,” Engr. Wakilbe announced.
Addressing concerns about teacher salaries, he clarified:
“The current salary structure was not implemented by this administration. However, we understand the concerns and are working towards improvements.”
The Commissioner also expressed his appreciation to Professor Tijjani and the UIIECEST staff for their dedication in hosting and facilitating the training.
“This Phase IV marks significant progress,” he remarked. “Insha’Allah, Phase V will take place in Biu in March. Our goal is to ensure that Borno State has no unqualified teachers, and we are confident that this will be achieved after Phase V.”
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks from one of the trainees, a cultural performance by UIIECEST students, and a closing prayer.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The event was graced by several esteemed guests, including representatives of
• His Royal Highness, The Shehu of Bama, Alhaji Dr. Umar Bn Kyari Umar El-Kanemi represented by the Shettima Kanuribe of Bama Shettima Ahmed.
• Professor Babagana Gutti, Vice Chancellor, Borno State University
• Hon. Modu Ali Gujja, Executive Chairman, Bama Local Government
• Comr. Inuwa Yusuf, Chairman, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Borno State Chapter
• Comr. Garba Zali, Chairman, Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Borno State Chapter
The successful completion of Phase IV underscores the Borno State Government’s commitment to improving the quality of education through structured teacher training and capacity-building initiatives.
