FREE EDUCATION: DR AUGUSTINA, TSUBEB, NUT, PPSMB GO TO HARD TO REACH AREAS IN CENTRAL ZONE

By Jonathan Jolly

Dr Augustina, the Commissioner of Education had on Wednesday 16th October, 2024 visited several schools in the central zone of Taraba state.

The Commissioner was 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 primary 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.

Dr Augustina, together with her team had a face to face interactions with the students, pupils, teachers and communities of the host schools they’ve visited to know their progress and challenges in the management of their schools.

The Commissioner stopped at Kasuwan Ladi Primary School in Ardo Kola LGA and found out that the Headteacher comes once to sign the timebook against the entire days of the week while leaving the pupils at the mercies of a volunteer teacher. She quickly directed the TSUBEB Boss to take a disciplinary action against the Headteacher as truancy cannot be condoned under Kefas’ administration.

Dr Godwin then proceeded to Special School of Blind at Garbabi, Bali LGA were she had an interaction with the blind and offered food items. She frowned at the uncleanliness of the school premises and directed the Headteacher to take disciplinary action against the cleaners who are not discharging their responsibilities well. Renovations were going on in the school as part of the transformation agenda of Dr Agbu Kefas.

At Kurmi LGA, Dr Augustina and her team headed to the hard to reach Dagana Primary School in the suburb of Baissa where the school buildings were literally occupied by refugees for more than 10years which denied the children of the community the privilege to acquire formal education.

Dr Godwin enjoined the ward head and the entire community to consider other options and give their children the chance to school. The Village Head assured the Commissioner that the classrooms will be free in two weeks time for their children resume school. Some youths from the community offered to teach their younger ones and siblings free of charge once the refugees vacate the school premises.

On further interaction , the Commissioner realized that about sixteen teachers are posted to the school but none of them ever appeared. The TSUBEB Boss Mrs. Rabi Sunday immediately issued query letters to the teachers through the Education Secretary.

Dr Godwin was warmly received by the host communities as many could not hide their joy while applauding her humility in identifying with them in their local communities despite the terrible terrain which was first of its kind. 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 and Kurmi 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 harped 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 for their children.

They thanked Dr Augustina for her selfless service to humanity noting that she is a good foot soldier of Dr Agbu Kefas. They called on the people to support the government of Dr Agbu Kefas as it is a government that has people at heart and is always ready to work for the good people of the state.