Kogi ministry of Edu, science & tech: Flags off school census exercise »

… holds sensitization meeting with stakeholders ahead of the 2021/2022 & 2023 enumeration

Hon Wemi Jones, speaking at an event held in Glasshouse, Lokoja to kick off activities by the Kogi state ministry of education, science, and technology to collate relevant, reliable, and timely data from all schools for proper planning, monitoring, and evaluation, commended Governor Yahaya Bello for his commitment to improving the learning environment in the state.

The Commissioner thanked Governor Bello for prioritizing education in the state, particularly with his plans, policies, and focus that extends beyond Northern Nigeria and the comity of states in the federation, stating that these data will assist the ministry in planning efficiently.

Hon Jones speaking further warned school proprietors to refrain from any form of falsification of figures and data to their advantage, and stated that schools that are not ready to participate in the exercise will be adequately dealt with, and urged all stakeholders to join hands with the government to ensure that Kogi state’s education sector becomes the best.

Hon Wemi Jones also used the occasion to appeal to the Governor and members of the Kogi state House of Assembly to expedite the process of enacting the extension of service year for teachers, a policy introduced by the federal government before February 1st, without which Kogi state will lose approximately 250 teachers who had applied to extend their service year.

Speaking earlier, the senior special assistant to the governor on Vocational Education, Hon Nana-hauwa noted that the sensitization program for the upcoming annual school census is aimed at raising awareness among educational stakeholders and school personnel about the importance of their support and participation particularly with the scorecard of governor Yahaya Bello’s Administration.

Hon Nana speaking further noted that the faint strides in the ministry has been made possible by the visionary leadership of the Honorable Commissioner of Education, Science, and Technology. Hon. Wemi Jones particularly with his unwavering dedication and commitment in championing the advancement of Education in Kogi State which is commendable.

“The Annual School Census is an important nationwide activity for collecting relevant, reliable and timely data from all schools in order to ensure proper planning, monitoring and evaluation.”

“Completing the census helps to provide an accurate and current picture of our school environment, informing planning and decision-making, such as how to allocate personnel, supplies, programs, and services. The census provides data that help target limited resources to the most needed areas or to measure the impact of new initiatives or programs. The data is also used to foster productive relationships with local and international organizations.” She noted.

The Chairman, House Committee on Education, Hon. Rai Daniel, appreciated the commissioner for organizing the program while commending the Governor for the establishment of CUSTECH, GYB Model School and other numerous achievements in education.

He appealed to the participants to put in their best in the field to ensure that accurate data are generated at all levels of the exercise, to ensure that the educational sector is strengthened in Kogi while assuring that the House of Assembly is ready to give all the necessary support to ensure the success of the exercise and the passage of the bill into law.

Dr. Elizabeth Ahman Animoji in her address thanked the commissioner for education for being a round peg in a round hole stressing that the census is a very important exercise.

“Information gathered will be used to help inform school policies and funding decisions. It is an important part of ensuring that our schools continue to meet their goals and provide a safe and positive learning environment for our children.” She noted.