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FCTA Reaffirms Commitment To Close Down Illegal Schools
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has reaffirmed commitment to close down all illegal schools operating in the nation’s capital as part of efforts to promote quality education.
The FCT Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Aliyu stated this at the inauguration ceremony of PET International Academy Lugbe, yesterday in Abuja.
Aliyu, represented by the Director of FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), Dr Adamu Noma, revealed that the Quality Assurance Department of Education Secretariat would scale-up its monitoring and inspection of schools to ensure standards.
The minister, who said that provisions of quality education should not be the responsibility of government alone, however affirmed that private sector engagement was key to quality education.
She said that the FCT administration had in September 2019, granted approval to no fewer than 1,648 private schools both at Junior and Senior Secondary School levels.
“Undoubtedly, provisions of quality education should not be the responsibility of government alone. We have come to the realization that private sector engagement is key to quality education.
“ In recognition of this fact, the FCT Administration as at September 2019, has granted approval to no fewer than 1,648 private schools both Junior and Senior Secondary School levels.
“However, I want to use this occasion to state unequivocally that the FCT Administration will not compromise standard in both our public and private schools.
“Our Quality Assurance Department will scale up monitoring and enforcement in all schools,” Aliyu said.
The minister said that the FCT administration would not hesitate to close down all illegal and substandard schools operating in the Territory.
This, according to her, is a task that must continue to carry out to ensure standard in our educational sector.
Aliyu commended the management of the school for choosing FCT for the establishment of the ultra model school to compliment government efforts in the development of education sector.
The minister said education played a critical role in the fortunes of Nigeria and the agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari’s-led administration.
Aliyu assured that the FCT Administration would not leave any stone unturned in ensuring that education takes its rightful place.
Earlier in his remarks, the Proprietor of the school, Dr Jeremiah Ekele said the provision of quality and functional education to pupils and students cannot be left alone in the hands of government.
Ekele said that school was being developed with the aim of complimenting government efforts and giving back to the society at large.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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