Gov Agbu Kefas, Headteachers Unveil Education Reform

Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, and headteachers of public primary schools have unveiled the education reform of the State. Addressing a distinguished audience at a very crucial meeting on Thursday, 3 August 2023, also attended by the Right Honourable Speaker, Honorable John Kizito Buzina, and other prominent figures, Dr. Kefas emphasized the urgent need for educational transformation.

A fervent believer in the power of education, he pledged to pick one headteacher from all the 16 LGA's in the state to be members of the committee that would be chaired by the Honourable Commissioner for Education. This was to show the Governor's recognition of the pivotal role teachers play in shaping future generations.

Highlighting the abundance of untapped natural resources in Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas identified the alarming number of out-of-school children as a critical challenge.  He, therefore, stressed that education is the key to unlocking the state's true potential and called for a collective effort to ensure that all children were beneficiaries of quality education.

Dr. Agbu Kefas also reiterated the importance of investing in teachers' well-being and development, while revealing plans to provide improved accommodation for teachers and create an environment conducive to effective teaching.

The governor announced his vision for free education in Taraba State and urged religious leaders and community members to actively support the initiative by ensuring that all children attended primary school.

At this juncture, he unveiled a groundbreaking plan to provide free uniforms for all students. He said the establishment of a state-owned factory in  Taraba was aimed at a mass production of affordable uniforms to eliminate discrepancies and promote equality among students.

To equip students for success, the governor also revealed plans to establish a state-owned printing press in Jalingo, the State capital. This venture, he said, would ensure a mass production of exercisebooks and school supplies, thereby facilitating easy access to educational materials.

To execute these ambitious reforms, the governor proposed the creation of a committee comprising of headteachers and government officials. Its role would be to devise a comprehensive strategy for implementing the educational revolution.