FG approves N140m for training of teachers in Ebonyi

ABAKALIKI—THE Minister of State for Education, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, yesterday, disclosed that the federal government has approved the release of N140 million for the training of teachers in Ebonyi State.

He noted that the gesture would be extended to other states of the federation for teachers' capacity development, so they could be abreast of  emerging trend in the teaching profession.

The Minister, who stated this during a courtesy visit on Governor Martin Elechi at Government House, Abakaliki, added that about 411,080 text books would be distributed through Universal Basic

Education Commission, UBEC to the state Universal Basic Education Commission, SUBEB, for the betterment of teaching and learning in the state.

He stated that the federal government decided to make the distribution of the textbooks and approval of funds for teachers' training in publicschools in order to nip in the board the mischievous activities of some UBEB officials who are in the business of selling textbooks meant for free distribution to schools across the country.

He said:  "This year, each state would be supported with 140 million naira in order to support teachers' capacity development in the country and also through UBEC, based on the number of enrolment figure; we shall distribute 411,080 text books to schools in the state.

"We have realized that most states do not know that most textbooks come to the state through UBEC and that funds are giving for the training of teachers in this country.

"It is proper we bring it to your attention. By 2015, the federal government shall reduce the percentage of illiterates in the country as over 12 million children of school age roam the streets without education."

Responding, Governor Martin Elechi, who welcomed the Minister to the state, appreciated the federal government for its complimentary role towards improving the pursuit of education in the state.