The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Education (Primary and Secondary), Dr Donatus Ilang, has commenced a consultative engagement with teachers and education managers across the state, pledging to reposition the foundational tiers of the education system through inclusive dialogue and decisive action.
In separate interactive meetings held in Onueke for the Central Zone and Afikpo for the South Zone, Dr Ilang met with Local Government Education Secretaries and Head Teachers of public basic schools. The sessions focused on identifying systemic issues, improving teaching conditions, and aligning with the vision of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru to elevate Ebonyi’s education sector to globally competitive standards.
Describing teachers as indispensable partners in educational development, the Commissioner emphasised the strategic importance of primary and secondary education to national growth. “Teachers are critical stakeholders in our education system,” he said. “The foundational knowledge and values they impart shape not just individual lives, but the future of our nation.”
Dr Ilang acknowledged the efforts made by educators under challenging conditions, commending their resilience and dedication. He, however, warned that professionalism must be upheld and that lapses in conduct or commitment would not be overlooked.
He also noted that the meetings were not ceremonial but a deliberate step towards restoring confidence in public schools and tackling issues that had long been overlooked. “This mission is about finding sustainable solutions,” he said. “If we fail to secure the future of our children through quality education, we risk compromising the future of our state.”
Responding to concerns raised by teachers, Dr Ilang disclosed that teacher welfare remained a top priority for the state government. He directed all Local Government Education Secretaries to submit detailed lists of teachers who received the 2024 Christmas bonus and those who did not, with a deadline of Monday, 28 July 2025.
Beyond welfare, the Commissioner assured the educators that his office would review all issues brought to light during the sessions, including staff discipline, infrastructure gaps, encroachment on school land, political interference in postings, and the unchecked proliferation of substandard private schools.
On the issue of school vandalism, Dr Ilang issued a stern warning. “Let it be known that those who destroy public school facilities are enemies of progress. We will not hesitate to invoke the full weight of the law,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Mary Ngozi Otozi, also addressed the gathering, calling for renewed responsibility and discipline among school heads. She charged them to lead by example, instilling seriousness in their teaching staff and aligning with the Commissioner’s reformist agenda.
Mrs Otozi directed all public school managers to ensure that pupils and students receive their results on Friday, 25 July 2025, and to clearly indicate those promoted and those who were not. “There must be transparency and academic integrity,” she said.
Many of the head teachers expressed appreciation for the forum, describing it as a rare opportunity for grassroots educators to interact directly with decision-makers. They appealed for the institutionalisation of such engagements to bridge the gap between policy and practice.
A cross-section of teachers who spoke at the meeting called for urgent intervention in areas of infrastructure, teacher redeployment policies, and school security. They also urged the government to check encroachments on school lands and halt the arbitrary conversion of school premises for non-educational purposes.
The Commissioner assured them that their inputs would form the basis of a comprehensive reform document aimed at addressing the peculiarities of basic education in the state.
Stakeholders observed that the new Commissioner’s hands-on approach signals a shift from administrative routine to proactive governance in the education sector.
The initiative is expected to continue in other zones in the coming weeks, as part of a state-wide assessment and repositioning of public basic education.
Of a truth some teachers and lecturers are not to teach students
ReplyDeleteIt will good to let them know that student are the future
ReplyDeletePost a Comment