By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The final batch of 615 teachers enrolled in the two-year special NCE Teacher Training Programme has successfully graduated, marking a significant advancement in the administration of the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum’s education reforms.
The graduation ceremony, held on Tuesday at the College of Education in Waka-Biu, is a major step in the government’s plan to phase out unqualified teaching.
The programme drew participants from all 27 Local Government Areas and focused on practical classroom skills, pedagogy, literacy, and numeracy. Of 647 teachers who began the course, 615 completed the training.
In addition to the training program, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum also prioritized teacher development and welfare, including the implementation of a ₦70,000 minimum wage for the primary school teachers.
The programme was coordinated by the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, following a statewide assessment that identified teachers who require professional upgrading.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe commended the graduates’ dedication and announced a concrete reward. “All successful participants will be migrated to the approved minimum wage structure and placed on their appropriate Grade Levels,” he stated.
Provost College of Education, Waka Biu, Dr. Gambo Saljaba, hailed the graduation as a milestone. “The successful completion of this programme is a major step toward strengthening teacher quality across Borno State,” he said.
Dr. Saljaba also noted the programme’s personal impact, revealing that, alongside academic achievements, it had seen three marriages, the birth of twins to one participant, and the sad loss of three trainees.
He praised the invaluable support of Governor Zulum, the Honourable Commissioner for Education, and the Emir of Biu.
Permanent Secretary, Borno State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Hyelni H. Mshelia, urged graduates to apply their new skills, remain committed to professionalism, and use the knowledge gained to improve learning outcomes in our schools.
The event, which included cultural performances and certificate presentations, represents a key milestone in Borno’s broader effort to professionalise teaching and ensure a qualified educator leads every classroom.
