Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has approved the immediate training of one thousand teachers to global standards under the 120-Day Emergency Intervention Plan embarked upon by his administration with a view to ensuring an overhaul of the education sector in the state.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Lawal, the Deputy Governor, Malam Mani Mumuni, on Saturday during the closing ceremony of the 18-day capacity-building programme participated in by the selected 250 teachers held at Zamfara College of Arts and Sciences (ZACAS), said the trained teachers’ commitment to learning demonstrates readiness to support the transformation of education in the state.
Malam Mumuni emphasised that education remains the cornerstone of the Rescue Mission Agenda of the present administration, saying, “This is why our government declared a State of Emergency on Education and has continued to invest in policies, infrastructure, teacher development and institutional reforms aimed at restoring confidence in our education system.
“This training is not an end in itself; rather, it is the beginning of a renewed commitment to excellence. We expect every participant to return to their various schools, offices and communities with renewed energy, professionalism and a determination to improve teaching, learning and educational management at all levels.
“To our teachers, you are the foundation of every successful education system. To our Quality Assurance Evaluators, we rely on your integrity to uphold standards.
“Also, to our Education Administrators, your leadership is essential for effective implementation of reforms. Together, you are the driving force behind the future of our children.
“As we conclude this training, I encourage you to translate the knowledge and skills you have acquired into measurable improvements in your respective places of assignment. Let this training be reflected in better classroom practices, stronger supervision, improved school leadership and enhanced learning outcomes”.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Education, Abdulmalik Abubakar Gajam, in his remarks, urged the trained teachers to judiciously ensure application of what they have learnt during the training, explaining that provision of a conducive environment for both teaching and learning across the state remains the State Government’s great concern.
According to Gajam, training and welfare of teachers is the number one priority after security, adding that, under the present administration, Governor Lawal has already demonstrated commitment by upgrading teachers’ salaries, especially for those that were earning N7,000 and are now receiving N70,000 on a monthly basis.
“The main objective of the State Government, apart from making provision of conducive environments for teaching and learning, is to produce teeming qualified teachers with a view to producing well-educated children in the near future.
“Only your competency would qualify you as a teacher to teach, but not a relationship with someone serving within the circle of high-ranking government officials; it must be by qualifications, no corruption and no laziness”, Gajam has warned.