By Suleiman Yakubu

In celebration of World Teachers' Day, the Niger State Government, through the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, honoured 17 teachers across the state for their remarkable contributions to education. The ceremony took place at the Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre in Minna, bringing together educators from all 25 local government areas of the state.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner of Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Hadiza Asabe Mohammed, highlighted the significance of World Teachers' Day as a moment to acknowledge the enduring impact of teachers on the educational system. She praised the dedication of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago's administration to advancing the state's educational sector under the New Niger Agenda, emphasising recent reforms such as the long-overdue salary increase for teachers, which aligns with the demands of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).
Dr. Mohammed congratulated the award recipients and commended the NUT for its role in organising the celebration. She addressed the longstanding issue of primary school teachers' promotion limits, promising that, going forward, teachers could achieve Grade Level 17 based on merit and commitment.
Addressing other NUT requests, including extending service years from 35 to 40 and retirement age from 60 to 65, the commissioner assured that the ministry is actively working to resolve these matters.
NUT State Chairman, Comrade Adamu Akayago Mohammed, expressed appreciation for the governor’s commitment to education, referencing recent provisions of essential classroom and boarding school resources. He reiterated the celebration’s theme, "Valuing Teachers’ Voices Towards a New Social Contract for Education," and stressed the importance of integrating teachers' perspectives into policy decisions.
Comrade Akayago also called on the state government to continue recognising dedicated teachers to revitalise respect for the profession. He urged the administration to address additional issues such as the extension of retirement age, implementation of domestic servant allowances for primary school teachers, and alleviating promotion stagnation on Grade Level 16.
He commended Dr. Mohammed's proactive efforts, particularly her engagement with stakeholders across the state's senatorial zones, which reflects a commitment to the governor’s New Niger Agenda for transforming education.
The event was a collaborative effort of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, the Niger State NUT, and the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE).

By Suleiman Yakubu

The Dodo of Wawa district in Borgu emirate of Niger state, Dr. Mahmud Ahmad Aliyu, has stated that parents bear a significant portion of the blame for the high number of out-of-school children in our societies.
Dr. Aliyu made this declaration during a visit by the Niger State school enrolment campaign team to New Bussa, Borgu Local Government Area. He emphasised that the days of ignorance about the importance of education are over.
He noted that in this digital age, even if parents did not attend formal school, there is likely someone close to the family who has, and the benefits of their education are evident. Dr. Aliyu urged parents to take advantage of government-provided school facilities and enrol their children without needing to be prompted, as it benefits the child, the family, and the community.
The traditional leader also called on parents to monitor their children's school progress and provide the necessary support for their success, pledging the support of traditional leaders for the enrolment drive.
Similarly, the council Chairman of Borgu Local Government , Hon. Suleiman Yarima, represented by the vice chairman, expressed gratitude to the enrolment campaign team for their efforts to sensitise the community on the importance of education. He promised to ensure that the message reaches all parts of the local government.
In Kontagora local government, the team visited the Palace of the Emir of Kontagora, Alhaji Muhammadu Mu'azu Barau II. The Ubandoman Kontagora, Alhaji Yusuf Mohammed, who represented the Emir, appreciated the school enrolment campaign team led by NSUBEB Chairman, Malam Muhammad Baba Ibrahim. He suggested that the state government assist parents with school items, such as exercise books, due to the current economic situation, and promised the emirate council's support.
Additionally, the council chairman of Mariga Local Government Area, Hon. Abbas Adamu, called on parents and well-to-do individuals to support the education of less privileged children, sharing his own experience of benefiting from education despite losing his father at a young age. He recounted how his uncle supported his education, which eventually led to his position as council chairman.
The team also visited Agwara Local Government, where they interacted with education stakeholders at the palace of Sarkin Agwara, Alhaji Hassan Zakari Jikantoro.