NECO To Partner Plateau Govt In Supporting Gifted Children Education
Akudiang Comfort Pius, Jos.
In move to partner with the state government in promoting gifted children education Plateau, the National Examinations Council (NECO) Officials has paid a courtesy visit to the Plateau Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Ephram Usman, at the ministry.
Donald, the management team leader, promised to partner with the ministry for the growth and development of the state.
He recognised the crucial support provided by the commissioners as essential stakeholders in advancing local government development within the state.
He also appreciated their commitment to the welfare and progress of the state which accounted for why he closely aligns with the ‘Time Is Now’ initiative championed by Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang.
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“If the ministry lends its voice, we believe the Ministry of Education will have no choice but to give the directive,” he said, adding that Gifted Examination for Admission into the Federal Academy, Suleja should be encouraged in the state so that students from the state could participate.
Responding, the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, chief Usman, said, “When I received the NECO Officials’ letter on the courtesy visit, it took me some time to fully grasp the connection between the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and NECO. But after your presentation, I realised I hadn’t thought it through deeply enough.
“We are all partners in progress, and advocacy synergy is key to the development of our state, our country, and our people.”
“This ministry primarily deals with local communities, and that is where most of our secondary schools are located. So it is not out of place that you are here today. I am very happy and delighted, and I have also learned one or two things.
“I always knew NECO conducted the SSCE exams—both internal and external—but today, I have learned about two other key exams that I was not previously aware of. If not for this meeting, I wouldn’t have known. You see, we learn every day. And I want to assure you, our doors are open.
“We are eager to collaborate because we understand very well that the people of Plateau overwhelmingly voted for this government, and we cannot afford to disappoint them.
“By the grace of God, your visit here today will not be in vain. We will take a holistic look at your requests and see how we can work together to play a significant role in assisting our people.
“Yes, we all know there is hardship in the country. Parents are struggling with tuition fees and registration costs for their children. We will look into this. We will discuss with local government chairmen to explore ways of easing the burden of registration,” he said.
Speaking further, he noted, “And as politicians, beyond our official capacities, some of us will also look into this issue on a personal level to see how we can make an impact in our communities. Politics is about touching lives. It’s not about making empty promises. Not all of us will be in leadership positions at the same time, but in our little ways, we can ensure that the people who voted for us feel the benefits of governance. That is how society grows.
“If we do not develop our own society, no one else will do it for us.
“We are intentional in our governance because His Excellency, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, is a man of vision. He is focused, determined, and deliberate in his policies to ensure Plateau State becomes better than how he met it. And by the grace of God, we shall achieve that vision.
“After this session, I would like us to have further discussions on the ‘BECE’ so we can explore ways to support it, as it is currently ongoing
“We will partner with you. In fact, I was just discussing with my colleagues after we returned from a state government-organised retreat. We had a conversation and said that the State Coordinator of NECO, the directors, and other stakeholders should come together with the ministry.
“The Honourable Commissioner has spoken on behalf of the government, and I believe there is little more to add. But I will say this: at least, NECO has now been given the platform to showcase itself as an institution that can be trusted—not just with conducting exams but also with training, even beyond the classroom.”
