Zulum’s Education Drive Bears Fruit as 615 Teachers Graduate from Special NCE Programme

Zulum’s Education Drive Bears Fruit as 615 Teachers Graduate from Special NCE Programme

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

In a significant boost to ongoing reforms in Borno’s education sector, the final batch of 615 teachers has successfully completed a two-year special Nigeria Certificate of Education (NCE) program, underscoring Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s sustained commitment to rebuilding and professionalising the state’s teaching workforce.

The graduation ceremony, held at the College of Education, Waka-Biu, over the weekend, marked a decisive step in the state government’s coordinated plan to phase out unqualified teachers and raise standards across public schools.

Originally, 647 teachers, drawn from all 27 local government areas of the state, were enrolled in the program. Out of that number, 615 completed the intensive training, which focused on practical classroom skills, pedagogy, literacy, and numeracy. The initiative was designed to equip participants with modern teaching techniques and strengthen their capacity to deliver quality education.

The special NCE program was coordinated by the Borno State Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI) following a comprehensive statewide assessment that identified teachers in need of professional upgrades. The intervention forms part of broader reforms aimed at restoring confidence in the public education system after years of disruption.

Beyond training, the Zulum administration has also placed emphasis on teacher welfare. Among the measures introduced is the implementation of a ₦70,000 minimum wage for all primary school teachers, a move widely considered an incentive to boost morale and attract qualified personnel into the profession.

Speaking at the ceremony, Commissioner for Education, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe praised the resilience and dedication of the graduates. He announced that all successful trainees would be migrated to the approved minimum wage structure and placed on their appropriate grade levels in recognition of their new qualifications.

The Provost of the College of Education, Waka-Biu, Dr Gambo Saljaba, described the occasion as a milestone for the state’s education sector. According to him, the program’s completion represents a bold stride toward strengthening teacher quality across Borno.

He highlighted not only the academic achievements recorded but also the human stories that unfolded during the two-year journey — including three marriages, the birth of twins to one participant, and the unfortunate loss of three trainees. He commended Governor Zulum, the Commissioner for Education, and the Emir of Biu for their unwavering support.

Also addressing the graduates, the Permanent Secretary of the Borno State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Hyelni Mshelia, urged them to apply their newly acquired knowledge diligently in their respective schools. She encouraged them to uphold professionalism and remain committed to improving learning outcomes for pupils across the state.

The ceremony featured cultural displays and the formal presentation of certificates, symbolising a renewed chapter in Borno’s drive to ensure that every classroom is led by a qualified and competent teacher.

With the graduation of this final batch, the state’s ambitious teacher reform agenda appears firmly on course, signalling hope for a stronger and more resilient education system.