2 hours ago
25
JOS – Examinations Council (NECO) Officials has made a courtesy visit to the Plateau Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Plateau, Chief Ephraim at the ministry.
While on the courtesy visit, Donald, and Management team leader, promised to partner with the Ministry for the growth and development of the state.
He recognized 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 to why he closely aligns with the Time Is Now initiative championed by Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
“If the Ministry lends its voice, we believe the Ministry of Education will have no choice but to give the directive.”
He added that Gifted Examination for Admission into the Federal Academy, Suleja
should be encouraged in the state so that students from the state should participate.
Responding, the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs chief Epraim Usman hinted that when he received NECO Officials letter on this courtesy visit, it took me some time to fully grasp the connection between the Ministry for Local Government and NECO. But after your presentation, I realized 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.
“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-organized retreat. We had a conversation and said, “Of course, 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.
English (US) ·