Borno State has marked a milestone in its drive for quality education with the graduation of 1,234 teachers from the fifth phase of the Special Teacher Training Scheme held at WAKA College of Education, Biu. 

The impressive results, announced on Wednesday, underscore the state government’s commitment to eradicating unqualified teaching personnel.

The Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr. Abba Lawan Wakilbe, declared at the ceremony, “Borno State has now moved beyond unqualified teachers.” 

He highlighted the dedication of the state’s educators and the effectiveness of the government’s investment in their professional development.

According to Wakilbe, out of the 1,310 teachers registered for the training, 1,246 (95%) participated in the final examination, with a remarkable 1,234 (99%) successfully passing. 

“This success rate demonstrates the tangible impact of the Borno State Government’s focus on empowering its teaching workforce,” the commissioner stated.

This training initiative is a crucial element of the state’s broader plan to provide free, quality education for all citizens and to build a resilient future for Borno in the post-insurgency era through educational transformation. 

The successful completion of this phase means that all 7,415 teachers identified in the 2021 competency assessment as needing further professional development have now received the necessary training.

The Borno State Government’s data-driven approach, which involved a comprehensive assessment of all Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) personnel, paved the way for this impactful statewide program. 

To date, over ₦2 billion has been strategically invested in these teacher training initiatives.

Further demonstrating its commitment to the teaching profession, the government has prioritised teachers as the first beneficiaries of the new ₦70,000 minimum wage, recognising their pivotal role in shaping the future of the state. 

Consistent monitoring and evaluation of previous training phases have already shown tangible improvements in student learning outcomes, fostering increased public confidence in the state’s education system.

Wakilbe reiterated the government’s commitment to recognising the achievements of the graduating teachers through upgrades to their appropriate grade levels with full financial implementation.

He expressed profound gratitude to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for his visionary leadership and unwavering support.

“I urge you all to honour this investment by consistently demonstrating professionalism, punctuality, and unwavering dedication in your classrooms,” Commissioner Wakilbe charged the graduating teachers.

He also extended appreciation to the Emir of Biu, the AGILE Coordinator and teams, the Provost of WAKA-Biu and the college team, the NLC, NUT, and TUC leadership, the Vice Chancellor of Borno State University (BOSU), Prof. Babagana Gutti, and the Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Prof. Bulama Kagu, for their invaluable contributions to the success of the programme.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Gutti and Prof. Kagu commended the graduating teachers and reaffirmed the government’s immediate commitment to implementing the new minimum wage. Leaders from the NLC and NUT lauded the Borno State Government for their proactive approach and for exceeding expectations by implementing the new wage structure promptly.

Representing the Emir of Biu, the Kadafur of the Emirate offered prayers for the continued progress of education in Borno State and urged the teachers to apply their enhanced skills effectively. A representative of the graduating teachers expressed deep gratitude to Governor Zulum and Commissioner Wakilbe, pledging their commitment to improving teaching and learning outcomes across the state.

The graduation ceremony concluded with cultural performances, celebrating Borno State’s resilience and its transformative journey in the education sector.