Teachers’ Education: Niger To Establish Special School

From Saka Bolaji, Minna

Niger State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, has approved the establishment of a special senior secondary school for 9th grade pupils who want to make teaching a career in each of the three geo-political zones of the state.
He disclosed this in Minna during an interactive session with the committee on Revival of Teachers Education in Niger state in Government House, Minna. The committee is headed by Hajiya Dije Bala.
Sani Bello said the three special Senior Secondary Schools would be for graduates of junior secondary schools who have passion for teaching and were ready to pursue their ambition.
The special schools to be fashioned after the Nigerian Military School (NMS) Zaria, will produce candidates for both College of Education and faculty of Education of any university of choice of the students.
Sani Bello said: “Teaching is a career you must be passionate about. The profession should not be seen as last resort for jobless people. This special school will be built basically for those that have passion for teaching. We catch them young and we motivate them, prepare them and make them proud professionals.
“Like the NMS where all students, except very few, are prepared for career in the military, as almost all the products of the school move to NDA, the students of this special school will be psychologically prepared for teaching profession while they also prepare for their WAEC and NECO examinations.
“To this end, competitive entrance will be conducted for JSS III pupils who have passion for teaching. The best two from each of the 274 wards will be admitted to the school. At the completion of their studies, they can go back and teach in their communities,” the governor disclosed.
Chairperson of the committee, Hajiya Dije Bala said it recommended the establishment of a Teachers Development Institute to conduct regular training and re-training of teachers as well as those in other profession but want to take teaching as a career.
The institute, she explained, will provide a platform for qualified teachers to have refresher course that will update them in modern teaching methodology and practice.
She lamented public perception of the teaching profession and urged all levels of government to ensure enhanced welfare package for teachers.