The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has applauded the drive by the Federal Ministry of Education to get more teachers for government schools in the country.
Receiving the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman and his management team paid her a visit in her office at the State House Abuja on Friday, Mrs. Tinubu noted that, as a teacher herself, it is important to improve on the profession and the practitioners so as to improve the quality of teaching and learning.
“I will join you to champion the drive for more teachers in the country. They are very important to the teaching outcomes we get”, she said.
Tinubu commended the Minister for approving the change of name from Second Chance School to Alternative High School for Girls, saying the new name is more dignifying.
She said: “Education is the way to grow as a nation. We know insecurity is there, discouraging girl child education. But we will not be intimidated from giving this generation what they deserve, quality education.
“Governors should be encouraged to adopt the Alternative High School for Girls. Once UBEC (Universal Basic Education Commission) builds one in the state, they should build more. These girls should be given the opportunity to fulfill their dreams. How will they fill on their resume, I went to Second Chance School, people will ask, what did you do”?
The First Lady also called the attention of the Minister to the need for adult literacy schools in the country and also the re-introduction of technical colleges to cover for the children who could not get into Tertiary institutions due to poor academic strength.
Mamman explained that his Ministry is introducing skills acquisition from primary school level.
“The issue of out of school children is getting our due attention. Only about 25 per cent of our youth get into tertiary institutions. We have to see to the others that are just there. We must get them well trained in their chosen skills”, he said.
He said that the Ministry is prioritising those who want to study education in tertiary institutions.
Mamman then presented 100 general scholarships for female students and 1,000 bursary awards for those studying education to the First Lady.
Also on the visit were the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu; Director General of New Partnership for Africa’s Development, Princess Gloria Akoundo; Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Didi Walson- Jack, and other Directors in the Ministry.
