Zulum Flags Off Training for 1,949 Teachers as NUT Commends Borno Governor

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has flagged off the first phase of training for 1,949 teachers found trainable following a competency test conducted by the state government.

The ceremony was conducted yesterday at the Waka Biu College of Education in Biu Local Government Area of the state.

The competency test results revealed that out of the 15,823 teachers who sat for the test, only 5,257 passed; 6,227 performed below the required pass mark, but were considered trainable; while 4,339 were found to be untrainable.

Zulum explained that while about 1,949 people would benefit in the first phase, the programme would continue to cover 2,730 beneficiaries.

“Precisely, on March 19, 2024, the government approved the allocation of N1 billion for the training of 2,730 teachers. These teachers will undergo training at the College of Education Waka-Biu and Umar Ibn Ibrahim Elkanemi College of Education, Science and Technology, Bama, for a three-month sandwich programme for 1,884 beneficiaries,” Zulum said.

The governor added: “About 846 others who do not have tertiary qualification will undergo a full-time NCE programme.”

He said the training was to enhance the standard of education in Borno, noting that each participant would receive the training free with a monthly stipend of N30,000 in addition to their regular salaries.

Zulum also directed that each of the 846 that would be enrolled on a full-time NCE programme be placed on automatic in-service status.

The occasion was attended by the senator representing Southern Borno,  Ali Ndume; the Emir of Biu, Maidala Mustapha Umar Aliyu II; members of the Borno State House of Assembly; the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe and other senior government officials.

Meanwhile, the Borno State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) has commended the efforts of Zulum in transforming the education sector.

The commendation was given by the state chairman of NUT,  Zali Garba. “Your Excellency, it is my candid belief that the education sector is undergoing a tremendous transformation, ranging from human and infrastructural development,” Garba said.