Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has emphasized the need to enhance the teaching profession and improve the quality of teachers to boost education in the country. She made this statement during a visit from the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, and his team to her office at the State House in Abuja on May 3, 2024. Senator Tinubu, a former teacher herself, commended the Federal Ministry of Education’s efforts to recruit more teachers for government schools.
She expressed her support for the initiative, stating, “I will join you in championing the drive for more teachers in the country. They are crucial to the teaching outcomes we achieve.” She noted that as a teacher, she understands the importance of improving the profession and the practitioners to enhance the quality of teaching and learning. The First Lady also praised the Minister for approving the name change from Second Chance School to Alternative High School for Girls, deeming the new name more dignified.
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Tinubu encouraged governors to adopt the Alternative High School for Girls model, emphasizing the importance of providing quality education to girls, especially in the face of insecurity. She stressed that education is key to national growth and development, and that girls’ education is critical to breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality. Senator Tinubu highlighted the need for Adult Literacy Schools and the reintroduction of technical colleges to cater to students who cannot access tertiary education due to poor academic performance.
Also, she noted that many students who do not make it to tertiary institutions are left without alternatives, and that technical colleges can provide them with valuable skills and training, enabling them to secure decent employment and contribute meaningfully to the economy. Additionally, she highlighted the importance of adult literacy programs, which can help empower adults who missed out on education during their youth. It also helps in enhancing their socio-economic prospects and overall well-being. These programs can also help bridge the gap in education and skills, and promote a more inclusive and equitable society.
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In response, the Minister, Prof. Tahir Mamman, outlined his ministry’s initiatives, including introducing skills acquisition from primary school level and prioritizing students who wish to study education in tertiary institutions. He noted that the ministry is working to address the issue of out-of-school children, with only about 25% of youth currently accessing tertiary education. He emphasized the need to provide training and skills to the remaining 75% who do not access tertiary education. The Minister also presented 100 General Scholarships for Female Students and 1000 Bursary Awards for students studying education to the First Lady during the visit.
He noted that the scholarships and bursaries are aimed at encouraging more girls and women to pursue education and teaching as a career. The delegation included the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, DG NEPAD, Princess Gloria Akobundu, and other officials from the Ministry of Education. Meanwhile, Senator Tinubu commended the Minister and his team for their efforts to improve education in Nigeria, and urged them to continue working towards providing quality education for all Nigerians. She emphasized the importance of education in addressing the country’s development challenges, including poverty, insecurity, and inequality. She noted that education is key to empowering individuals, communities, and nations, and that Nigeria must prioritize education to achieve its development goals.
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The visit and discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration and partnership between the government, civil society, and other stakeholders to improve education in Nigeria. The First Lady’s support for the Ministry of Education’s initiatives and her emphasis on the need for quality education for all Nigerians underscored the critical role that education plays in national development. As Nigeria continues to grapple with development challenges, it is clear that improving education will be key to unlocking the country’s potential and achieving its development goals.
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