Gov Buni sponsors 237 principals, teachers to NTI Karu for professional training in education
Story by Sa’adatu MAINA, Damaturu
In a bold step to overhaul its education sector, the Yobe State Government has flagged off a specialised study tour for 237 senior secondary school principals, teachers, and mentors to the National Teachers Institute (NTI) in Karu/Abuja, scheduled for 2026.
The delegation comprises 79 principals and 158 educators, selected as part of a broader manpower reform initiative by the state’s civil service.
A formal send-off ceremony took place on Thursday in Damaturu, organised by the Office of the Head of Service.
The state Head of Service, Alhaji Mohammed Musa Shehu, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare, Shaibu Ibrahim Amshi, explained that the training aligns with the National Policy on Education (2013), which highlighted the need for strong professional leadership to drive school improvement.
“School managers must become effective leaders who support teachers’ professional growth,” Shehu stated.
He further noted that recent student performances at an international competition in the United Kingdom prove that the government’s declared state of emergency in education is already producing tangible results.
In his remarks, state’s Focal Person for Training and Succession Planning, Ibrahim Bulama Yusuf, confirmed that the selection process was carried out transparently by the relevant educational boards.
According to Yusuf, participants were drawn from the State Universal Basic Education Board, the Teaching Service Board, and the Science and Technical Education Board.
He added that the government will cover all costs, including registration, accommodation, and four daily meals, which have already been arranged with NTI.
In a heartfelt vote of thanks, Haruna Adamu, Yobe State President of the Association of Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPS), expressed deep gratitude to Governor Mai Mala Buni and the Head of Service.
“This is a remarkable and memorable occasion, Yobe State is now set for capacity building at NTI Karu.
“We are deeply honoured and sincerely grateful. This exceptional opportunity for our school principals to participate in such a historic and transformative training programme is not something we take lightly.
“This gesture goes beyond administrative support, it is visionary, impactful, and transformative. We do not merely feel appreciated; we feel inspired, recognised, and entrusted with greater responsibility.
“This opportunity has rekindled our hope, strengthened our morale, and renewed our commitment to service,” said Adamu.
