National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Amba Audu, has said the union is very happy with the efforts put in place by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to revamp the education sector since the inception of his administration.
Speaking in an interview in Kaduna over the weekend, Audu remarked, “So far, so good. In terms of education in the country, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is working for us as far as education is concerned.”
He noted that the government at the center is making frantic efforts to ensure that education is given priority.
“They are ensuring that every part of the educational system in Nigeria, from primary to secondary and tertiary institutions, receives due attention.”
Audu further stated, “Recently, the Honourable Minister of Education inaugurated a committee to strengthen our examination system in this country.
“Highly reputable stakeholders were inaugurated, and we were there to witness the event. We clearly heard the directive given by the Minister to the committee, emphasizing that exam malpractice will no longer be tolerated in our institutions—whether at the primary, secondary, or tertiary level.
“This newly sworn-in committee is headed by the Chief Registrar of JAMB, Professor Oloyede, whom we know to be a seasoned educationist and a no-nonsense individual.
“This is a step in the right direction, and many initiatives are being put in place to ensure that our education system works for the betterment of Nigerians and the country as a whole.”
On the dispute between the Kaduna State government and teachers over the Endwell Funds, he expressed satisfaction with how the issue was amicably resolved.
“Yes, as the President of the Nigerian Union of Teachers and a former Chairman of NUT in Kaduna State, I can say that what His Excellency has done for us in Kaduna State has vindicated us because this scheme has been in existence since 1999.
“The scheme has been a cherished initiative among teachers in Kaduna State. We value it immensely because, according to records, it was the pride of every teacher in the state.
ALSO READ:APC is just a mere congregation of strange bedfellows — ‘Bode George
“Teachers were eager to be part of the scheme, and many have benefited from it. Today, several teachers own personal homes and businesses. Upon retirement, they receive their benefits and interest.
“The scheme had been running successfully, and we had expected the previous government to embrace and support it fully to take it to the next level.
“Out of the 36 states, including the FCT, if there are any states not implementing such a scheme, I doubt they exceed 10—perhaps 15 at most. Most states in Nigeria have adopted similar schemes.
“In the entire country, Kaduna State was the second to key into the Endwell Scheme. Oyo State pioneered it, and I was among those selected by the then-state leadership to visit Oyo and study its operations.
“We spent about a week there, conducted a thorough review, and upon our return, we engaged the government, proposing its adoption. Without delay, it was approved—even under a military government at the time—and successfully implemented. Today, states like Niger have a very strong Endwell Scheme.”
