By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has handed over the remodelled Federal College of Education site in Gwoza Local Government Area to the Federal Ministry of Education.
The institution, formerly Teachers College Gwoza, was owned by Borno State Government before being remodelled and handed over on Wednesday in a brief ceremony at the council chamber of government house, Maiduguri.
The College comprises over 100 upgraded classrooms, modern laboratories, improved administrative facilities and staff quarters for principal officers, among other infrastructures.
Zulum had earlier, in addition to the upgrade and handover of a permanent site for the college, approved N200m as take-off package, according to statement on Thursday by the Governor’s SSA on new media, Abdurrahman Bundi.
The Governor reiterated his commitment to the smooth take-off of the newly established college; he said, “I will not relent in my effort to support the smooth take-off of the Federal College of Education, Gwoza. We will do what is needed and ensure all the support is provided to the best of our ability.”
Governor Zulum also commended the federal government for citing the college in Borno as an opportunity for citizens of the state to acquire the needed teaching and learning skills, noting that Borno was the only state without a federal college of education.
Zulum charged the management of the college to ensure a good standard that would produce graduates who could add value to society. He said, “What matters is not the number of students we graduate but the quality of the output. There is apathy toward the National Certificate of Education (NCE). Let’s make sure that we get this one right.
The governor stated, “Let’s see how our children can study NCE in English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, TVET courses, and all those subjects that can create wealth and accelerate our development. I will not be happy if you immediately establish a Kanuri or Hausa course. We can learn all these in our homes and on the street.”
Earlier in his address, the permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr Nasir Sani Gwarzo, commended the Governor of Borno State, Professor Zulum, for donating a completely remodelled edifice as the permanent site of the Federal College of Education, Gwoza.
Dr Sani Gwarzo, who was represented by the Director of Polytechnic, Education and Allied Institutions, Dr Ejeh Usman, said, “Your announcement of a donation of N200m by the state government towards the take-off of the new Federal College of Education is a gesture that speaks volumes about your leadership and commitment to the growth of education in this region.”
The delegation also comprises the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education, Prof. Paulinus Chijioke Okwelle, the Chairman of the College’s Governing Council, Professor Sule Tagi, and other senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Education.
