Borno Gov’t Graduates 1,109 for Phase III Teacher Training Program

By HK Tijjani, Maiduguri

The Borno State Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation held a graduation ceremony for 1,109 teachers  who successfully completed Phase III of the Teacher Training Program out of the 1230 initially registered.
 
The teachers were drawn from across the five local government education authorities that include MMC, Mafa, Jere, Kaga, and Damboa LGAs.
 
The training and graduation ceremony took place at the Institute of Education, Borno State University (BOSU), at the defunct Sir Kashim Ibrahim College of Education, on Monday, December 23, 2024. 
 
The Commissioner of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Borno State, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, emphasised Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s commitment to improving the quality of education in the state. 
 
“The governor understands the critical role of teachers in shaping the future of our children,” said Wakilbe. 
 
“He has approved all teachers’ entitlements and has invested over 1.7 billion Naira in teacher training programs, including Phases I, II, III, IV, and V.”
 
He further highlighted the importance of this training, stating, “At least the result has shown that 94% have passed the examination, which shows that you have the knowledge but are lacking commitment. We expect serious and improved outcomes and more commitment from the teachers. At least we expect you to go to your workplace punctually.”
 
He also said that those who failed their examination are no longer teachers but would be moved to the regular local government service.
 
Earlier, in his welcome address, Mallam Abdullah Dala Hassan, Director of the Institute of Education, Borno State University (BOSU), expressed gratitude to Governor Zulum for his unwavering support of teacher development. 
 
“This training program, which encompasses modern teaching techniques, pedagogy, communication, literacy, and numeracy, aims to increase teaching efficiency and foster a culture of learning,” said Mallam Hassan.
 
The ceremony witnessed the symbolic presentation of certificates to the graduating teachers. 
 
Prof. Kagu, Chairman of the Borno State Universal Basic Education Board, emphasised the importance of implementing the upgraded skills learnt during the training. 
 
“By next report, we expect to see a significant increase in the literacy rates of children,” he stated.
 
Speaking on behalf of the graduating teachers, Hajiya Asabe expressed gratitude to the government and the Ministry of Education for this valuable training opportunity. 
 
“We are grateful for your dedication to improving teachers’ welfare and the education of our children,” she said. 
 
“We also urge the government to extend similar training opportunities to our colleagues who have passed the aptitude test but are yet to be trained.”
 
The event was also attended by key stakeholders, including Chairmen from the benefiting LGAs, Prof. Babagana Gutti, Vice-Chancellor of Borno State University; Comdr. Inuwa Yusuf, Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Borno State Chapter; and Comdr. Garba Zali, Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) Borno State Chapter. 
 
This graduation ceremony marks a significant step towards improving the quality of education in Borno State by enhancing the skills and knowledge of its teachers.