By Mercy Osajiugo
The Niger state government has approved N1 billion for the construction of a Teachers’ Professional Development Centre, to be known as the “Legacy Centre,” in Minna.
Governor Sani Bello announced this at the Niger State Teachers Professional Development Institute’s combined graduation ceremony at the Legbo Kutugi Conference Center in Minna.
He said, “This centre will be constructed soon at the premises of the Government Girls Secondary School in Minna.
“This gesture is to fill any gaps in the system and to instill a huge sense of concern in the sector among students and teachers,” he explained.
However, Bello explained that despite his administration’s passion and commitment as well as massive investment in the education sector, insecurity and banditry have rocked the progress they have recorded.
“Niger government, as a result of insecurity, relocated students of two centres of Kuta and Dandaudu schools to the premises of Zarumai Secondary School, Minna, for safety.
“In our quest to put the state on the path of sustainable development in education, we are not going to succumb to the threat of insecurity,” he said.
Similarly, the principal, Hajia Ayishatu Aliyu, of the Teacher Professional Development Centre, said that they have graduated in three sets 2019/2020, 2020/2021, and 2021/2022.
She explained that some students from the grassroots could not speak English when they were admitted, and expressed happiness that they have become well groomed on graduation.
“We are convocating 521 of three sets and we are sure of the students we have trained, they will do Niger proud and Nigeria in general,” she said.
Aliyu, therefore, appealed to the government to be more supportive while urging teachers to be more proactive in discharging their duties.
NAN
