The Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced a new long-term program called ASSEP, aimed at transforming school facilities, updating educational content, and incorporating online learning tools. A significant effort is being made to address the substantial gap in Education across the country, with a focus on starting in the North-East region. During the announcement in Bauchi Vice President Kashim Shettima revealed a new program that will transform secondary education by focusing on improving access to higher education, teaching practical skills for the workforce, and training educators to adapt to technological advancements such as artificial intelligence.
As stated by his Media Assistant, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima has announced that the project is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s plan to tackle the numerous issues facing the North-East region, including Security problems and underdeveloped human resources. The Vice President delivered a speech titled Uniting for Change: Enhancing Education in the North-East. During the address, he emphasized the importance of preserving educational opportunities that have been instrumental in helping generations succeed. He observed that the stark contrast in living standards between individuals who prioritize education and those who do not is a clear and enduring illustration of the significant advantages that education offers.
Expanding virtual learning capabilities will be a key technological focus.
His statement highlights the fact that Nigeria’s education rankings are at the lowest level due to the challenge of implementing consistent policies for school attendance, which is met with resistance in certain cultural groups. ASSEP will provide government support to improve education quality by promoting STEM excellence, updating outdated classrooms, and enhancing the academic atmosphere with activities such as quizzes, Exam preparation camps, and rigorous Teacher training. Expanding virtual learning capabilities will be a key technological focus, utilizing online tools to enhance traditional teaching methods and bridge the technological gap.
Shettima affirmed the North-East Development Commission’s dedication to fulfilling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for the region. He emphasized that the President views their challenges, including security concerns and educational setbacks, as utmost important. Phases in implementation will prioritize urgent needs initially, followed by establishing Infrastructure for future growth, culminating in ASSEP’s full-scale expansion throughout the region. Governor Babagana Zulum from Borno State, representing the governors of the North East region, promised full support for the program’s implementation in the area during his earlier speech.
Making ASSEP a symbol of the states’ dedication to quality education.
He believes that the ASSEP program is in line with the educational goals of state governments, aiming to enhance teacher quality, student performance, and the overall learning environment using technology. The Governor promised to make ASSEP a symbol of the states’ dedication to quality education, ensuring that the states take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the program. In addition to that, Senator Bala Mohammed, the governor of Bauchi, expressed the state’s eagerness to embrace any chance to enhance the education system, as the sector has been declared under a state of emergency.
Furthermore, the Managing Director of the NEDC emphasized the commission’s prioritization of a program aimed at boosting teacher training and improving access to Higher Education in the region. In addition, Dr. Mariam Masha, the Senior Special Assistant to The President on Regional Development and NEDC, emphasized that ASSEP represents a significant advancement in nurturing talent and skills within the North East region. The Bauchi State Governor expressed gratitude towards the Vice President for attending the event and praised his forward-thinking leadership.
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Additionally, he characterized the Vice President as a selfless leader who values the advancement of his community and the well-being of his constituents over political affiliations. Mohammed emphasized that the projects completed during his administration were aimed at improving the state’s infrastructure and promoting the Welfare of its residents. During the 15th annual North-East Joint Trade Fair, Shettima encouraged the states within the region to capitalize on their strengths in order to achieve the developmental goals of the region. His perspective is that the trade fair is more than just a tradition to uphold; it is also an opportunity for them to contemplate their history and shape their path forward.