Jigawa: 9,600 Teachers Register For Special Training

Jigawa: 9,600 teachers register for special training. No fewer than 9,600 teachers under the Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) registered for a competency test to determine the specific training required to improve their skills and enhance teaching outcomes in the state.

The Executive Chairman of the Board, Professor Haruna Musa, revealed this while briefing journalists on the purpose of the examination, adding that 12,000 teachers were expected to register for the exam.

He explained that the state government, under the leadership of Governor Malam Umar Namadi, was committed to repositioning the state education sector as a key foundation for sustainable development, in line with its “12-Point Agenda.”

Prof. Haruna noted that while the government has been spending significant resources to improve educational infrastructure, meaningful learning improvements cannot be achieved without also enhancing the capabilities of teachers.

“Based on that, the State Executive Council approved for the board to organise a competency test for all teachers. This will enable us to understand the kind of training each teacher requires to improve his or her skills”.

“Out of the 9,600 teachers registered for the exam, over 70% have never attended any capacity-building training since they were employed, including some with over 15 years of service,” the Chairman added.

Teachers Register For Special Training

He stated that after the exam, the teachers will be categorised into three groups: Group A, those with both knowledge and teaching skills; Group B, those with knowledge but lacking teaching skills; and Group C, those lacking both knowledge and teaching skills.

“Each group will be offered specialised training. Those in Group C will undergo intensive training and subsequent examinations for a period to ensure they are equipped with the required knowledge and skills”.
“For those with slower learning uptake, we will attach them to competent teachers within their schools for ongoing guidance and mentorship,” Prof Haruna said.

He further stated that the project is not about retrenchment, but his primary goal is to enhance teachers’ capacity for better learning outcomes within the state’s basic education sector.

National Examinations Council (NECO) Accredits Schools In Burkina Faso For SSCE, BECE

National Examinations Council (NECO) accredits schools in Burkina Faso for SSCE, BECE. He said that the accreditation would reduce financial strain on parents.

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has granted accreditation to schools  in Burkina Faso to host its examinations, widening its international footprint.

This is contained in a statement issued to journalists in Abuja on Sunday by the council’s acting diirector of information and public relations, Azeez Sani.
Mr Sani said the council would now begin to conduct the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in the West African country.
According to him, the move follows a comprehensive assessment visit by a NECO accreditation team to selected schools in the West African country.

“During the visit, the team evaluated the readiness of the institutions by inspecting classrooms, laboratories, libraries, computer labs, workshops, examination halls, sports facilities, and security architecture.

“They also reviewed the schools’ Continuous Assessment (CA) records, teacher adequacy, and general learning environment to determine suitability for NECO examinations.
“After what was described as a thorough and detailed evaluation, the schools were granted full accreditation to host the SSCE and BECE,” he said.

Mr Sani noted that the expansion into Burkina Faso underscored NECO’s commitment to delivering quality education and assessment services beyond Nigeria’s borders.

“With its expanding global presence, NECO is poised to become a leading examination body in Africa, offering opportunities for Nigerian students and other foreign nationals worldwide to benefit from its expertise,” he said.

He recalled the recent establishment of an examination centre in London, United Kingdom, adding to existing centres in Togo, Benin Republic, Niger Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, and Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Burkina Faso, M.D. Galadima, commended NECO for the expansion, describing it as a relief for Nigerian families in the country.

National Examinations Council

Mr Galadima revealed that parents had long grappled with challenges arising from differences in educational systems and the lack of English language schools.
“Previously, parents had to take their children to Saki, Oyo State, to register and write the examination, exposing students and parents to security risks and imposing heavy financial burdens on families and school proprietors,” he said.

He added that the accreditation would eliminate these risks and reduce financial strain on parents. The ambassador urged the Nigerian community in Burkina Faso to take advantage of the opportunity by registering their children for NECO examinations.

Leader of the accreditation team, Dr Uche Ezenwanne, said the move would enable Nigerian students living in Burkina Faso to write SSCE and BECE without traveling back to Nigeria.

This move, he said, would reinforce NECO’s position as Africa’s foremost examination body.

Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University (UMYU) Appoints 19 Professors

Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University (UMYU) appoints 19 professors. Ms Dahiru-Anche said, “Among the academic staff, 19 were promoted to the rank of professors, 20 to readers, 31 were promoted to senior lecturers, 17 to lecturer I, and 26 to the rank of lecturer

The Governing Council of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University (UMYU), Katsina State, has approved the promotion of 19 lecturers to the rank of professors.

This is contained in a statement in Katsina on Saturday by the Assistant Chief Information and Protocol Officer, Office of the Vice Chancellor, Nabila Dahiru-Anche.
According to her, the development followed the 56th meeting of the governing council, which approved the promotion of 113 academic staff, with effect from October 1.
She said that the meeting held on November 27 also welcomed the newly appointed Pro-Chancellor of the university, Senator Hadi Abubakar-Sirika
She stated, “Among the academic staff, 19 were promoted to the rank of professors, 20 to readers, 31 were promoted to senior lecturers, 17 to lecturer I, and 26 to the rank of lecturer II. In addition, 36 staff were converted to various cadres and upgraded to higher ranks.”

According to the statement, during the meeting, there was also an upward review by 100 per cent of the wages of the university cleaners.
It said the development marked a significant milestone in the institution’s continued journey toward academic excellence and transformative growth. It noted that during the meeting, Mr Abubakar-Sirika declared his commitment to work diligently towards uplifting the university.

Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University (UMYU)

He stated, “He also met with the leadership of all four In-House Unions of the university, pledging loyalty, support and cooperation in working together as critical stakeholders for the institution’s progress.”

According to the statement, the council commended and expressed satisfaction with the way and manner which the university’s management is steering the affairs of the institution.