Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state has conducted an ‘impromptu aptitude test’ for 65 teachers in Kukawa Local Government Area of the state. The test, according to him, was to determine their teaching qualifications and ability to teach in primary and secondary schools. “The essence of this aptitude test for teachers is not to sack any of you here, but to determine your capacity to teach in any of the schools,” he said. He stated that this will enable the State Government to place teachers on the right salary grade levels and teaching positions. According to him, teachers that have no capacity to teach; would be given a choice to select their career in the civil service. “After this test, you will be either redeployed or sent for further training,” he declared. He said that at the end of every year; each teacher and pupil will be evaluated for government support, including accommodation and other delivery services.
After announcing the results of the aptitude test, the Governor also distributed N20,000 and 10 yards of fabrics each to the teachers to meet their daily needs. At the Baga General Hospital, he interacted and gave support to health workers in the fishing community that was attacked by Boko Haram in 2014. The Principal of Senior Secondary School, Baga and the Primary School Head Teacher each got N50, 000 Naira 10 yards of fabric. While appreciating the efforts of teachers and health workers, he said: “As long as you will make a meaningful impact on society, we shall support you. “We shall evaluate you, and those of you whose salaries need to be upgraded will be done.”
Continuing, he added: ““Whenever I return to this town, I will call a teacher by name and determine the level of his or her capacity; including their pupils in classrooms. He told the teachers that more pupil intake will be encouraged by providing a meal and other support for children to go to school. He said the state government is to support 50 indigents of Kukawa Council, who are willing to further their education. Meanwhile, Governor Zulum, after finishing interactions with school teachers, also went to Ibrahim Dada General Hospital, Baga, and interacted with all the health workers. At Ibrahim Dada General Hospital, Baga, the Governor interacted with 27 health workers that were present for the hospital inspection.
He noted that young teachers willing to further their studies in medicine and other related courses will be supported. On discovering that the hospital lacks a medical Doctor, Zulum directed for the appointment of any medical doctor willing to stay and work in Baga. He therefore gave an executive approval for the appointment of a Medical Doctor, who is an indigene of Kukawa. Each of the twenty-seven health workers got N20, 000 with a bag of rice each support, while the two heads of the maternity departments each got N50,000 and a bag of rice. “The 11 voluntary health workers are also to be given N10, 000 each,” he said.
