FCT UBEB APPLAUDS HON. MINISTER FCT FOR WHOLE SCHOOL APPROACH INTERVENTION IN BASIC EDUCATION by: Ossai Patience

The Acting Executive Chairman of the FCT Universal Basic Education Board, Dr.Alhassan Sule has lauded the action of the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike for adopting Whole School Strategy in giving Public Junior Secondary and Primary schools a facelift. Dr. Sule stated this in his welcome address during the 2024/ 2025 Second Term Resumption meeting of Principals with Management of the Board which event took place at Junior Secondary School Area 10 hall.

This move,he added will enable the Board’s schools to compete favourably with global dynamics in no distant time.

Dr. Sule heartily welcomed the school Administrators into the new year and prayed that education will be taken to a higher pedestal in the Basic Education sub sector of which the Board is a custodian.

He used the opportunity to introduce the New Director of Science, Technology,Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Mrs Florence Wenegieme whose department was upgraded due to global educational dynamics.

The Executive Chairman emphasized on the role of education in national development and maintained that it is the only platform for one to explore and realize his or her potentials and also gives human the sense of distinguishing the wrongs from the rights.

He reminded the Principals that in the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, Education is a priority and the issue of Out- of – school children is of great concern to His Excellency, President Ahmed Tinubu and that is why the New Agency , National Commission for Almajiri and Out- of – school Children was established to cater for this need.

Dr. Sule told the forum that it was based on the need to complement the Federal Government effort in the eradication of the menace of Out – of – School Syndrome that ,the Head- To- Head Initiative was set up as an approach to combat the trend. He therefore, appreciated the Principals for their contributions towards the FCT UBEB Head To- Head Debate Competition among the Junior Secondary Schools.

He urged the School Administrators not to renege in their responsibilities for optimum growth of the schools.

He directed them to report any child of school age that is seen hawking during school hours.

On the issue of Security,He further charged them to be vigilant at all times and directed that Security should be their Watch Word. Dr. Sule enjoined them to liase with security outfits around the schools and report any suspicious movement.

He warned the Principals that have vehicles attached to their schools not to give them out for trip outside FCT without the express approval of Management.

He gladly informed them that Karshi Smart School has successfully taken off and just within weeks of its smooth take off ,the children participated in a competition and performed brilliantly.

In her speech, the Director of Junior Secondary School Department in the Board, Hajia Rahmatu K.Nusa harped on the need for Principals to hold resumption meeting a week before school resumption.

She encouraged the Principals to develop cordial relationship with their Vice Principals for the good of the schools. She said they should see their calling as sacrifice and not otherwise. Consequently, she encouraged them to remain steadfast and true to their Profession.

She said it has been observed that some Principals have lackaidastical attitude towards administrative work and warned them to change that orientation.

She advised them to desist from illegal charges since basic education is free. More so, they do not have the right to send any child away on account of levy.

She encouraged them to hold interhouse sports Competition in their schools as a way of promoting sport and admonished against its replacement with Cultural fiesta.

Remarking at occasion, the Director Administration & Supplies in the Board,Mr. Joseph Asa told the forum that those due for promotion in 2023 and 2024 have been directed to fill the Annual Performance Evaluation Report, APER forms and submit accordingly. But they should bear in mind that APER forms are meant to be filled yearly. He informed them that that form B component will be sent out for staff to crosscheck their records.

Also remarking ,the Director, Quality Assurance of the Board,Dr. Emmanuel Shuaibu commended the Principals for their cooperation in the first term and the second term resumption monitoring which has just been concluded. He requested them to be receptive to the various category of Monitoring Teams that visit the school and averred that it was for strengthening the system. Urging them not to relent in doing so.

He enjoined them to employ the Time Bound management principle in their Action Plan and to commend hardworking teachers and encourage the not too performing ones to sit up and face their duties squarely.

Additionally, he implored them to be innovative in their approach to enable our schools to stand out.

In his submission, the Director of Social Mobilization and Chairman of FCT UBEB Head- To – To Head Debate,Alhaji Kudu Dangana entreated the School Administrators to ensure that School Based Management Committees,SBMC are functional by making them effective. Subsequently,he instructed them to forward the report of activities held to the Desk officer , UBEB. He thanked them for their resourcefulness each time they were requested to do something towards ensuring that we have effective schools.

He hammered that it was mandatory for all schools to participate in the Head- To- To Head Debate.

The New Director of Science, Technology & Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Lady Florence Wenegieme appreciated the Principals for the warm welcome accorded her and exclaimed that she was glad to be back to her root.

She told them that part of her first assignment is to meet with Science Coordinators in schools,so that together they will go round and inspect the laboratories for available spaces where practicals will be conducted.

She emphasized on the need for every child to be self reliant in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal government.

Contributing, the Director of Special Duties,Hajia Fatima Mohammed commended the Principals for the extra miles they have gone in digitalizing the Lesson Plan. She encouraged them to monitor teacher activity , learning points and stressed on the need for proper feed back in the learning process.

Delivery his Vote of thanks, Mr. Moses Shimachimin, Secretary,All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, (ANCOPSS) FCT Chapter appreciated the acting Executive Chairman and the entire Management for keeping them on their toes to do the needful. He reiterated that Education is the tool to save our society.

On behalf of the Principals, he promised to take note of Management critical advices ,admonitions and ensure that they are implemented to the latter. He urged his colleagues to scrutinize mails/circulars before adherence and implementation and to stick religiously to circular from the Board headquarters.

-end-

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•