By Damilare Adeleye, JKNMedia Reporter
SENATOR Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady, has lauded the efforts to spearhead initiatives aimed at bolstering the number of teachers in public schools across the nation by the Federal Ministry of Education.
Speaking during a visit by the Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, and senior government officials to her office at the State House Abuja on Friday, May 3rd, Senator Tinubu expressed her support for the endeavour.
As a forcer educator herself, she emphasized the critical importance of enhancing the teaching profession and supporting its practitioners to elevate the quality of education delivery.
She said: “I will even join you to champion the drive for more teachers in the country. They are very important to the teaching outcomes we get,” remarked Mrs. Tinubu.
In addition to endorsing the Ministry’s efforts, the First Lady applauded the decision to rename the Second Chance School to Alternative High School for Girls (AHSG) considering the new name as more dignifying, as she underscored the significance of education in national development, particularly in the face of challenges such as insecurity that hinder girl child education.
Furthermore, she urged governors to adopt the AHSG initiative and advocated for the establishment of more institutions nationwide to ensure that girls have access to quality education and opportunities to pursue their aspirations.
Highlighting additional concerns, the First Lady called for the establishment of Adult Literacy Schools across the country and advocated for the reintroduction of Technical Colleges to cater to students with varying academic strengths who may not secure admission into tertiary institutions.
Professor Tahir Mamman disclosed the ministry’s plans to introduce skills acquisition programme starting from the primary school level, emphasizing the need to address the issue of out-of-school children and provide adequate training opportunities for youth beyond tertiary education.
He also presented 100 General Scholarships for Female Students an 1000 Bursary Awards for education students to the First Lady, underscoring the Ministry’s commitment to promoting education and empowering students across the nation.
The delegation accompanying the Minister included Dr. Yusuf Tank Sunuru, the Minister of State for Education, Princess Gloria Akoundo, DG NEPAD, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry and other key directors from the Ministry.
