The Final year students of Faculty of Environmental Technology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), in Bauchi state has conferred an award of excellence on the former governor of state, Mohammed Abubakar (SAN).

The students made the presentation of the award to the ex governor during a public lecture and magazine launch organised by the students.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Muhammad AbdulAzeez, said that the students recognized and appreciated Abubakar for the priority given to education during his regime.

Also speaking shortly after receiving the award, the former governor said he felt elated to have received the award, especially coming from the youth and students of the state.

Abubakar explained that he held the education of the youth very dear in his heart, particularly, the type of education provided to the students by the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi state.

Speaking on the status of basic education four years after leaving office, Abubakar said that “I don’t have the statistics in respect of the success in the West African Examination Council or the National Examination Council in the state.

“However, in terms of physical infrastructure, the present government of the state has done its best. The inner workings, I wouldn’t know but the one I have seen, I have talked about.

“Education generally is still being faced with a lot of problems in the Northern parts of the country, partly because of the culture of our people and partly because of growth, meteoric rise in the population of this country.

“When I was going to school, the number of people going to school then was very small, that was why in my university days, weekly, we are entitled to pack our used clothes and keep them in front of our doors in our hostels.

“A laundry man would come and take them, wash, iron and bring them back to us and that was because our number was manageable.

“Today, the number has risen so much that the total number of people who need to go to school far outweighs the availability of the infrastructure.

“We need to pay in. Education is so important that it should not be left to the government alone,” he said.

He, however, called on government at all levels to be more dedicated towards improving the education system, especially, by accruing 20 per cent of its budget to education, adding that a lot needs to be done in the field of education in the country.

Speaker of Bauchi State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y Suleiman has rejoiced with the Executive Governor of Bauchi State His Excellency Senator Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad and his Deputy Rt. Hon. Auwal Muhammad Jatau on the occasion of their swearing in ceremony.

This was contain in a signed statement by the Spokesperson to the Speaker Abdul Ahmad Burra and made available to Sahel Reporters on Monday.

In a congratulatory message, the Speaker said that the good people of Bauchi State have rewarded Governor Bala’s unprecedented transformation with massive support during the election which is testament of how the good people of Bauchi State are pleased with the pedestal of development he put the State on.

“On behalf of the Honourable Members, the management and the staff of Bauchi State House of Assembly, I heartily rejoice with you and your Deputy on this auspicious occasion which marks the beginning of your second term in office”

“Your respect for the rule of law and the sanctity of the Legislative Arm have culminated into strong bond and synergy between the Executive and the Legislature, thus the unprecedented achievements recorded in your first term.

“We identify with your track record and we are proud that together, in the past four years, we have taken Bauchi State to this great height of development and prosperity.” The Speaker said.

He expressed confidence that the renewed mandate given to the Governor by the good people of Bauchi State will bring more dividends of democracy to the State.

The Speaker assured the Governor the usual support of the State House of Assembly and pray that Almighty Allah would increase him good in health, strength and wisdom to carry on with his positive initiatives.

The National Youth Service Corps NYSC has organized an award and Gala Night to honour individuals and communities who had been supportive of the scheme in the Taraba State.

The ceremony was held at Professor Sa’ad’s lecture hall of the Taraba State University Jalingo during the weekend.

The event had in attendance politicians, government officials, and traditional rulers among other dignitaries.

In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion who is also the state commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Hassan Bappa said the scheme has witnessed tremendous successes as it has fostered unity among Nigerians.

He appreciated the founding fathers for initiating the scheme.

Earlier in his address, the Taraba State Coordinator of NYSC, Mr. Anthony Nzoka said at 50, the NYSC had made the nation proud and assured that the scheme will continue to do its best toward uplifting the core values for which it was established.

He explained that recently, about 3000 people were treated in the Mallum and Nyita communities of Ardo Kola Local Government Area of the state, which is its host community.

Nzoka further revealed that soon they will plant trees in all the local government areas of Taraba state as part of its contribution to stop afforestation in the state. 

The coordinator called on the public to always support Corp Members posted to their communities or places of work.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of the Taraba State Independent Electoral  Commission (TSIEC), Dr. Philip Duwe appreciated the NYSC for the award, describing it as an encouragement that will spur him to do more for the state.

Dr. Duwe advised the corp members to always be disciplined wherever they found themselves to avoid disappointing their parents.

In a goodwill message, Barrister G.T Kataps who was one of the grand pillars commended the NYSC for the recognition and promised to sponsor a bill at the 10th Taraba State House of Assembly for the review of the stipends for the corps members serving in the state.

The event featured lectures on NYSC at 50 by George Simon of the Taraba State University Jalingo, the presentation of awards, and the cutting of an anniversary cake as well as a group photograph.