Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has expressed his deep appreciation for the Federal College of Education Technical (FCET) in Gusau, recognizing it as a crucial institution for enhancing the quality of education in the region. According to Governor Lawal, the college serves as a vital platform for nurturing and producing well-trained teachers who play a significant role in the public schools across Zamfara State.
The governor made these remarks during a recent courtesy visit by the FCET Governing Council to the Government House in Gusau. This visit, as explained by the governor’s spokesman, Sulaiman Idris, was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the collaboration between the Zamfara State government and the FCET in Gusau. The synergy between the state and the institution is seen as a strategic move to address the long-standing educational challenges in Zamfara.
Governor Lawal highlighted the importance of education in the development of Zamfara State, noting that the state has faced significant difficulties in the education sector for many years. He candidly acknowledged that Zamfara has consistently ranked at the bottom in national education assessments, often competing with Yobe State for the lowest position in the country. He revealed that five of his own sisters had graduated from FCET Gusau, underscoring his personal connection to the institution and its impact on the community.
Reflecting on the dire state of education in Zamfara, Governor Lawal pointed out that he had declared a state of emergency in the education sector the previous year. This declaration was a direct response to the numerous challenges facing the state’s educational system. One of the most pressing issues was the failure of the previous administration to pay examination fees for students taking the NECO and WAEC exams, a situation that lasted for over three years. Governor Lawal described this neglect as unfortunate but assured the public that his administration had since settled these debts, ensuring that Zamfara’s students could continue their education without financial hindrances.
Governor Lawal also shared some positive developments in the state’s education sector. He proudly announced that Zamfara had recently made headlines for its exceptional performance in the NECO entrance examination for gifted students. Zamfara emerged as the best-performing state in Northern Nigeria and the second-best in the entire country. This achievement, according to the governor, is a testament to the state’s commitment to improving education and providing opportunities for its students.
The governor emphasized that the state government is fully committed to ensuring that every child in Zamfara has access to quality education. To this end, the government has embarked on an ambitious program to renovate and construct over 290 schools across the state. These efforts include not only upgrading the physical infrastructure of schools but also providing suitable furniture and ensuring continuous training for teachers. Governor Lawal acknowledged the critical role that FCET Gusau plays in this educational reform, particularly in enhancing the capacity and quality of teachers in the state.
Governor Lawal expressed his determination to continue working closely with FCET Gusau to revamp the educational system in Zamfara State. He recognized the college as an essential partner in the state’s efforts to elevate the standard of education and ensure that students receive the best possible instruction from well-trained educators.
During the visit, the Chairman of the FCET Governing Council, Prof. Muhammad Nuhu, commended Governor Lawal for making education a top priority in his administration. Prof. Nuhu highlighted the unique status of FCET Gusau, noting that it was the only institution of its kind in the entire federation at the time of its establishment. He recalled that when the college was first founded, there was considerable envy and debate over its location in Zamfara. However, it soon became clear that Zamfara was in dire need of such an institution due to its status as one of the most disadvantaged states in terms of educational development.
Prof. Nuhu praised the governor for declaring a state of emergency in Zamfara’s education sector, describing it as a bold and necessary step. He noted that the positive initiatives taken by the current administration are already beginning to yield results, as evidenced by the improved performance of students in national examinations and the ongoing efforts to improve school infrastructure.
In addition to recognizing the governor’s efforts, Prof. Nuhu also took the opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of the First Lady, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda. He lauded her for sponsoring 20 students at the college and for donating three computers to the top three graduating students. Her support, he said, is an example of the kind of community involvement that is essential for the continued improvement of education in Zamfara.
The visit between the FCET Governing Council and Governor Lawal underscored the critical role that education plays in the development of Zamfara State. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to working together to overcome the challenges facing the education sector and to provide the children of Zamfara with the quality education they deserve. Through continued collaboration and dedication, the future of education in Zamfara looks brighter than ever.