Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State has reiterated the resolve of his administration to support all state owned tertiary institutions.
Governor Sani Bello, who was the Visitor to Niger State College of Education stated this at the 28th Combined Convocation Ceremony for 3,655 graduands held at the Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu Convocation Square of the College in Minna.
The Governor said though education is expensive and a long time investment, it is the responsibility of all not just the government to invest in.
He commended the resilience and patients of the parents and students for enduring throughout their study period and charged them to let their behaviours reflect the ideals of a professional teacher and remain resolute against any form of criminal tendencies as they move on in life.
The Governor equally appreciated the efforts of the college’s Governing Council and Management for all round improvement in the institution adding that more could still be achieved.
On the issue of inadequate manpower, the Governor assured that more qualified civil servants will be redeployed to the college in addition to the 54 redeployed earlier.
“We transferred some of the qualified staff with teaching experience to the institution, we will do a second phase to see if we can get more and if we don’t then we can source from outside”, he stated.
He said his administration will do more on the issue of security within the college while tasking the authority of the institution to collaborate with security agencies to ensure periodic patrols in the college.
The Governor charged the management of the college to completely end the fake certificate scam as it had affected the quality and integrity of the college.
Chairman, Governing Council of the College, Barrister George Sabo Koce said that the College’s priority is to produce highly qualified, motivated, conscious and efficient National Certificate of Education(NCE) classroom teachers.
He urged the Governor to look into the powers given to the State Civil Service Commission to hire and fire the college staff as it has serious implications on addressing the staffing needs and discipline.
The Chairman commended the unity amongst the management of the college which indeed has made them achieve the successes they have recorded so far.
The Provost, Niger State College of Education, Prof. Muhammad Yakubu Auna disclosed that 3,655 graduated from seven schools of the college for 2017/2018, 2018/2019/, and 2019/2020 academic sessions.
He commended the continued support the institution is enjoying from the state government as he assured the governor that the fight against fake certificate in the college has succeeded emensly.
Prof. Auna said the school has in the last 4 years, enjoyed peace and security, cooperation and loyalty from staff and students, provision of conducive environment, stable academic calender, improved staff welfare and prompt payment of staff allowances among others.
The Provost highlighted some challenges facing the college to include; funding and shortage of manpower as the college lost over 200 staff due to retirement, deaths, transfers, dismissal/termination of employment.
Highlights of the ceremony included the presentation of awards and cash prizes to the best graduating students of the college for the three sets.