Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has reaffirmed his administration's dedication to providing free education and ensuring the welfare of teachers in the state. Speaking at a recent event, Dr. Kefas emphasized that his administration's free education program is built on the training and retraining of teachers. He highlighted that teachers are major partners in the quest to provide free and quality education. The governor's remarks come as the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) appeals to the government to appoint qualified and experienced teachers to the position of Permanent Secretary in the state civil service.
Dr. Kefas outlined plans to improve the learning environment, including building better school structures and providing modern learning tools, teaching aids, school uniforms, bags, textbooks, and other equipment. He revealed that 2027 would witness significant budgetary allocations aimed at addressing the housing and healthcare concerns of teachers. The governor also commended teachers for their hard work and resilience, noting that they play a vital role in shaping the future of society. He emphasized that his administration would ensure that teachers receive proper remuneration, payment of outstanding benefits, and other financial assistance.
The Chairman of the NUT, Taraba State Wing, Comrade Nathan Solomon, called on the state government to appoint qualified and experienced teachers to the position of Permanent Secretary in the state civil service. Solomon stressed the need for greater recognition of the teaching profession, saying that qualified teachers should be given opportunities to contribute their expertise to policy formulation and administration within the civil service. He noted that teachers' experience and professional knowledge could add significant value to the education sector and the wider public administration.
The theme of the event, “Standing with Teachers: Sixty Years of Promoting the Profession, Advancing Its Status and Shaping the Future,” underscores the critical role teachers play in strengthening the education sector and shaping the future of society. Dr. Kefas used the occasion to commend teachers for their labor and resilience, noting that they remain the primary moulders of opinion and character in children. The governor's remarks reflect his administration's commitment to prioritizing education and recognizing the importance of teachers in achieving this goal.
The Commissioner for Secondary, Technical and Vocational Education, Dr. Augustina Godwin, commended teachers for their invaluable contributions to nation-building and the development of the education sector. Represented by the Secretary of the ministry, Rabi Sunday, Dr. Augustina recognized the vital role teachers play in the development of the state and pledged that the government would continue to provide an enabling environment for academic excellence. She urged teachers to sustain their commitment and dedication to duty.
Dr. Kefas's administration has made significant strides in implementing its free education policy, with teachers playing a significant role in its success. The governor's commitment to improving teachers' welfare and working conditions is seen as a positive step towards enhancing the quality of education in the state. The NUT's appeal for the appointment of qualified teachers as Permanent Secretaries is expected to further boost the education sector.
The event celebrated the critical role of teachers in shaping the future of society and promoting professional development. As the government continues to prioritize education, teachers are expected to remain at the forefront of efforts to improve the quality of education in Taraba State. With a focus on teacher welfare and development, the state is poised to make significant progress in the education sector.
Key points
- Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, reiterates commitment to free education and teachers' welfare.
- NUT seeks appointment of qualified teachers as Permanent Secretaries in the state civil service.
- Government to prioritize teacher welfare and development in 2027 budgetary allocations.
