Zulum’s Teacher Upgrade Programme Produces 615 NCE Graduates

By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna No fewer than 615 teachers have graduated from a two-year Special Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) Tea...

By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna

No fewer than 615 teachers have graduated from a two-year Special Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) Teacher Training Programme initiated by the Borno State Government, marking a major milestone in Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s education reform agenda.

The graduation ceremony, held on Tuesday at the College of Education, Waka-Biu, represents a significant step in the state government’s drive to phase out unqualified teachers from public schools.

The programme, which drew participants from all 27 local government areas of the state, focused on practical classroom skills, pedagogy, literacy, and numeracy. Out of the 647 teachers who enrolled at the start of the course, 615 successfully completed the training.

Beyond training, Governor Zulum’s administration has prioritised teacher welfare, including the implementation of a ₦70,000 minimum wage for primary school teachers in the state.

The programme was coordinated by the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, following a statewide assessment that identified teachers requiring professional upgrading.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe commended the graduates for their dedication and announced that all successful participants would benefit from improved welfare packages.

“All successful participants will be migrated to the approved minimum wage structure and placed on their appropriate Grade Levels,” he stated.

The Provost of the College of Education, Waka-Biu, Dr. Gambo Saljaba, described the graduation as a milestone in strengthening teacher quality across Borno State.

“The successful completion of this programme is a major step toward improving teaching standards and learning outcomes across the state,” he said.

Dr Saljaba also highlighted the human side of the programme, noting that during the two-year period, three marriages were recorded among participants, one participant gave birth to twins, while three trainees sadly passed away.

He commended Governor Zulum, the Commissioner for Education, and the Emir of Biu for their support toward the programme’s success.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Borno State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Hyelni H. Mshelia, urged the graduates to apply their newly acquired skills, uphold professionalism, and remain committed to improving learning outcomes in their respective schools.

The ceremony featured cultural performances and the presentation of certificates, underscoring Borno State’s broader commitment to professionalising teaching and ensuring that every classroom is led by a qualified educator.