By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
FG launches overhaul of Northeast Schools
Unveiling the initiative in Bauchi State, Vice President Kashim Shettima announced a comprehensive program aimed at transforming secondary education in the Northeast. This phased program will focus on three core pillars: improving access to tertiary institutions, imparting market-relevant skills, and upskilling teachers to keep pace with innovations like artificial intelligence.
Shettima highlighted that this initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision to tackle the multifaceted challenges in the Northeast, ranging from security issues to stagnant human capital development. Emphasizing the critical role of education, he noted that everyone’s current position is a result of the opportunities provided by education, a tradition that must continue.
In his address titled “Bridging the Gap: Transforming Education in the North-East,” Shettima stressed the importance of maintaining educational opportunities that have empowered generations. He pointed out the stark disparity in quality of life between those who embrace education and those who do not, underscoring the profound benefits of education.
Shettima acknowledged the Northeast’s struggles with uniform education policies and cultural resistance to formal education. “We occupy bottom-most positions in education indices, reflective of our inability to enforce uniform policies on school enrolment amid persistent cultural pushback in some communities,” he said.
Nkwocha further explained that under the ASSEP (Accelerated Secondary Schools Education Programme), the government will enhance instruction quality, incentivize STEM achievements, modernize classrooms, and foster an enriching academic environment through various initiatives, including virtual learning to bridge the digital divide.
“The North-East Development Commission stands firm in its mission to execute President Tinubu’s vision for this geopolitical zone,” Shettima said. The program will be implemented in phases, addressing urgent needs first, followed by infrastructural groundwork for expansion.
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, speaking on behalf of the Northeast governors, pledged their support for the successful rollout of the ASSEP program. He stated that the program aligns with state government efforts to improve teacher quality, learning outcomes, and the overall educational environment.
Bauchi State Governor, Sen. Bala Mohammed, emphasized the state’s commitment to overhauling the education sector, particularly in science education and teacher training, and assured support for ASSEP with logistics across the state.
The Managing Director of the NEDC noted that the program prioritizes teacher training and access to tertiary education. Dr. Mariam Masha, Senior Special Assistant to The President on Regional Development and NEDC, described ASSEP as a major revolution in human capital development in the Northeast, aimed at improving key education outcomes.
The event’s high point was the presentation of virtual learning platforms by students from the Northeast, the first beneficiaries of ASSEP.
During his visit to Bauchi State, Vice President Shettima also commissioned the newly reconstructed government house and urged Northeast governors to collaborate to foster economic growth and improve living conditions by attracting businesses and investments.
Shettima expressed satisfaction with governance quality in the Northeast and highlighted the new Bauchi State Government House as a symbol of enhanced administrative capacity. Bauchi State Governor Mohammed commended Shettima for his presence and leadership, outlining the state’s efforts to transform infrastructure and improve residents’ well-being.
Former Governor Adamu Muazu and former Military Administrator Maj. Gen. Chris Garuba also praised Governor Mohammed’s leadership, particularly in prioritizing public welfare in his administration’s projects.
At the North-East Joint Trade Fair, Shettima urged regional states to leverage their advantages to achieve developmental aspirations, emphasizing the importance of becoming a manufacturing hub to enhance Nigeria’s trade and achieve macroeconomic stability.
Governor Zulum of Borno State appealed to the federal government for improved power supply to boost regional commerce and trade, commending federal efforts in the region.
The VP, along with Northeast governors and other dignitaries, also paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Bauchi, Rilwanu Adamu.
education, Northeast.
FG launches overhaul of Northeast Schools