Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State has flagged off the distribution of teaching and learning materials to strengthen education and promote academic excellence across the state.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, Gyang Bere, the ceremony, which was held at the headquarters of the Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in Dogon Dutse, Jos, marked the official distribution of Teaching and Learning Materials (TLMs) to the state’s 17 Local Government Areas.
Speaking at the event, Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to revitalizing public education, noting that his government is determined to restore confidence in public schools and improve learning outcomes.
“We made up our minds from the onset that we must get public education right. If public education is not right, we cannot claim that education is right,” the governor said.
He expressed optimism that ongoing reforms in infrastructure development, teacher welfare, training, and the provision of instructional materials would help restore Plateau State’s reputation as a centre for quality education.
“I want to pledge to the people of Plateau State that, by the grace of God, by the time we exit office, public schools will become schools of first choice for parents,” he added.
The event also featured the commissioning and inspection of a newly constructed administrative office block at SUBEB, as well as the decoration of pupils who represented the state at the National Basic Education School Sports Competition held in Bauchi.
Governor Mutfwang commended the pupils for bringing honour to the state and encouraged education managers to nurture young talents through structured sports development programs.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of Plateau SUBEB, Sunday Amuna, said the board inherited several challenges upon assuming office in July 2023, including industrial disputes due to unpaid salary arrears, inadequate office space, broken-down operational vehicles, and deteriorating school infrastructure.
He noted that progress recorded in the sector was made possible through the support of the Plateau State Government and the successful access to counterpart funding from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
“Through your visionary leadership and deliberate policy direction, the narrative has changed remarkably,” Amuna said.
According to him, the board has so far constructed 397 classrooms, renovated 557 classrooms, drilled 33 motorized boreholes, and supplied furniture to thousands of pupils across schools in the state.
Amuna also disclosed that the newly commissioned administrative block, which houses 19 offices and eight toilets, was completed using the board’s overhead allocations and is fully powered by solar energy.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Kachollom Gang, described the distribution of teaching materials, the decoration of outstanding pupils, and the commissioning of the office block as a major milestone in strengthening the state’s education sector.
She explained that the teaching and learning materials would enhance classroom instruction and stimulate students’ interest in learning.
“The presentation of teaching and learning materials underscores the government’s dedication to improving the quality of instruction in our schools.
“These resources will enable teachers to deliver lessons more effectively while stimulating students’ interest in learning,” she said.
Also speaking, the North Central Zonal Director representing the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Edward Abalaka, commended the Plateau State Government for prioritizing basic education and consistently paying the required counterpart funds to access federal interventions.
He emphasized the importance of effective use of materials, noting that the fight against illiteracy can succeed only with access to knowledge supported by relevant learning resources.
Highlights of the event included the distribution of 143,931 textbooks, 6,675 school bags, 6,675 pairs of school sandals, and pencils and exercise books to public primary schools across Plateau State.
