Niger State Govt, NECO collaborate to enhance learning, introduce free transportation
The Niger State Government has announced its plan to offer free transportation services to pupils attending public schools in the state.
This initiative aims to boost children’s enrollment and alleviate the impact of the federal government’s removal of fuel subsidies. Bologi Ibrahim, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger State, released a statement regarding this development.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago shared this news during a meeting with officials from the National Examination Council (NECO), led by its Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Ibrahim Wushishi, at the Government House in Minna.
The Governor emphasized that providing free transportation for children at the basic education level would encourage their attendance and help mitigate the effects of subsidy removal.
He also highlighted the need for collaboration between the examination body and the state to address the challenges related to out-of-school children and girls’ education.
Furthermore, the Governor suggested that integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into the education sector would greatly contribute to its development.
Governor Bago proposed that NECO should support vocational training in the education curriculum to empower students to become self-reliant.
He urged the Council to expand its Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSRs) in the state and assured them of his administration’s support.
The Governor expressed his disappointment with NECO’s lack of tangible contributions, such as the provision of repaired classrooms or other infrastructure.
The Governor suggested that NECO should sponsor educational activities like essay writing and also deploy its human resources to teach and mentor students in classrooms.
He instructed the Secretary to the Niger State Government (SSG) to investigate the root causes behind the fluctuating turnout and performance of registered students in Senior Secondary School Examinations.
Additionally, Governor Bago revealed that he had approved a monthly allocation of N30 million to settle the outstanding debt owed to NECO. He also volunteered to assist NECO in recovering its debts from other states in the federation.
Prior to discussing the Governor’s initiatives, the NECO Registrar and CEO, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, congratulated Governor Bago on his electoral victory and successful inauguration.
Prof. Wushishi sought increased collaboration between the Council and the state government, emphasizing the mutual benefits it would bring.
He explained that Niger State had experienced fluctuating registration figures for the Senior Secondary School Examinations between 2018 and 2022. Prof. Wushishi urged the State government to make NECO examinations mandatory for all public schools in Niger State.
He assured the Governor of the Council’s readiness to partner with the state and enhance education in line with its core values.