Task political leaders on education devt – Bagudu tells teachers

Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi on Tuesday urged teachers to be proactive in tasking political leaders to play vital role in addressing problems bedeviling the education sector.

He gave the charge during an unscheduled visit to some selected primary and secondary schools in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital.

The schools are: Emir Haruna Secondary School and Abubakar Gari Malam Model Primary School.

Addressing the teachers, Bagudu said: “There is need for you to speak out what your problems are in school and the challenges you are facing.

“Engage political leaders and those in position of authority, widen your consultation to all stakeholders. Government cannot shoulder it alone; we all have to join hands to support the education sector.”

The governor, who is also the Chairman, Progressives Governors’ Forum, lauded teachers for their dedication and sacrifices towards instilling discipline and sound education in students.

“I thank you all on behalf of the state government for the efforts you are putting in the discharge of the onerous responsibility in spite of challenges you are facing,” he said.

He said the visit was to appreciate the teachers, and to avail him opportunity to get firsthand information on the challenges with a view to proffer lasting solution to the problems.

The governor said that he had recently met with the officials of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs) on ways to address problems affecting basic and post basic level of education, especially teachers’ salary.

According to Bagudu, the state government has paid gratuities of all retired workers up to December 2021, adding that proactive measures had been put in place to facilitate payment of the 2022 gratuities to retired civil servants.

The state government, he said, was up to date in the payment of pensions to all retirees and pledged to settle outstanding arrears of leave grants.

In his remarks, Sunusi Umar, the Headteacher, Abubakar Gari Mallam Model Primary School, commended the governor for the visit and called for improved funding of primary education.

He also advocated improved welfare packages to serve as motivation to the teachers.