Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has charged Dr Kasim Mohammed Kasim, the newly appointed Chairman, and members of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), to improve the education sector in the state.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday in Lafia, Gov. Sule emphasised the importance of basic education and the need for the new appointees to build on the progress made by their predecessors.
“We have continued to accord a high premium to the education sector, particularly the basic education component, based on our belief that basic education is the foundation for a prosperous society,” he said.
The Governor commended the former Chairman of SUBEB, Mohammed Danazumi and his colleagues for their good work and urged the new management to consolidate on their achievements.
He highlighted the need for competent teachers in secondary schools, revealing that a new process would be conducted to ensure that only qualified teachers are employed.
“We are bringing people from the outside to conduct the recruitment exercise, who are going to be fair to everybody,” he said, assuring that the screening team would conduct their work independently.
On the recent employment of teachers by the Teacher Service Commission, Governor Sule explained that the exercise was done outside the approved framework, leading to the sacking of over 2,000 teachers.
The Governor revealed that 1,500 teachers would be employed, and the remaining 1,500 who illegally captured and not employed would be paid for the period they worked.
Sule directed the new appointees to review the list of successful applicants for teaching positions and immediately meet the manpower needs of the education sector.
He urged the public to allow the screening team to work independently and ensure that only competent teachers were employed.
The Governor urged the appointees to live above board and justify the confidence reposed in them by the government.
Governor Sule also charged the newly appointed Local Government Service Commission Chairman and members to ensure proper supervision, regulation of recruitment, promotion, discipline, and training of personnel in line with its mandate.
He emphasised the need for the commission to drive infrastructural development and socioeconomic activities in the rural areas.
The Governor reminded the appointees to live above board saying: “Public service is public trust. You shall therefore realise that this is a call to service to the people.”
He urged the appointees to let the fear of God and public interest guide them in carrying out their official duties, devoid of any sentiment or favoritism.
Responding, the Chairman Local Government Commission, Mustapha Aliyu, on behalf of the newly appointed officials to deliver on their responsibilities and meet the expectations of the people of Nasarawa State.
Aliyu expressed gratitude to friends and well-wishers who attended the event, describing their presence as a testament to the hope and expectations they have for the appointees.
“By the grace of God, we will not let you down, we will not let the people of Nasarawa State down,” he vowed.
