FREE EDUCATION: DON’T COLLECT MONEY FROM CHILDREN; DR AUGUSTINA TASKS TEACHERS IN THE CENTRAL ZONE

By Jonathan Jolly

Dr Augustina, the Commissioner of Education had on Thursday 17th October, 2024 visited several schools in the central zone of Taraba state.

The Commissioner was in Gembu, Sardauna LGA together with the Acting Chairperson TSUBEB, Mrs Rabi Sunday, the State NUT Chairman, Comrade Nathan Solomon and the Acting Executive Secretary of Post Primary Schools Management Board, Mrs. Elsie Obadiah Yaruta.

The visit was part of the ongoing monitoring of public and secondary schools across Taraba state. The monitoring underscores the importance of full implementation of free and compulsory education to all children in Taraba state, declared by His Excellency Dr. Agbu Kefas.

At the LEA Office, Dr Augustina passionately appealed to all Headteachers and Principals to desist from collecting money from any child and ensure that no child goes back home for any reason. She stressed that free education has come to stay and saboteurs won’t go unpunished.

Visiting the Government Technical Training School (GTTS) Gembu, the Commissioner addressed the issue of encroachment of school land among others and urged the parties involved to consider their children’s future at the expense of any interest. The representative of the Chairman of Sardauna LGA assured the Commissioner that the council will do everything possible to bring the issue to an end.

Dr Godwin then proceeded to DDI Model Science Secondary and Primary School and had an interaction with the Students, Teachers, SBMC, PTA and other stakeholders. The Principal, Mr. Muhammad Bose presented their pressing needs and the Commissioner promised to follow up based on priorities.

Dr Godwin thanked the good people of the mambilla for their warm reception and kind hospitality. The PTA and other stakeholders could not hide their joy while applauding her humility to identifying with them in their communities despite the terrible terrain.

They praised His Excellency Dr Agbu Kefas for wiping their tears in making education free to their children and promised to support him.

Recall that the monitoring of schools started with Jalingo, Wukari, Takum, Karim Lamido, Bali, Kurmi and Sardauna LGAs in following up with compliance to free and compulsory education of Dr. Agbu Kefas and to ensure all Principals and Headteachers receive their monthly Running Costs and use it effectively.

Dr Godwin emphasized on the Governor’s commitment to enhancing teachers welfare and remuneration which are motivation to optimum performance. The State NUT Chairman, Comrade Nathan Solomon and the Acting Executive Secretary, PPSMB, Elsie Obadiah Yaruta also added their voices in encouraging teachers and communities to prioritize education as that will be the only lasting legacy they could leave to their children.