The Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, has announced a series of allowances and incentives for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members posted to schools across the state.
The Commissioner for Information and Re-orientation, Zainab Usman, made this known in a statement on Sunday.
She said the governor’s decision was in response to the high increase in school enrollment as a result of the government’s declaration of free basic education, uniforms and other learning materials.
According to Usman, Governor Kefas approved the following benefits for the NYSC members serving in Taraba State schools:
- An additional N10,000 as monthly support from the state government.
- A one-time payment of N50,000 as medical allowance.
- An accommodation allowance of N25,000 per term, totalling N75,000 for three terms.
- Automatic employment opportunities for exceptional NYSC members who distinguish themselves while serving in schools.
She said the governor also approved other measures to support students and teachers in the state, such as:
- Provision of uniforms, shoes, socks, and books by January to support students in their pursuit of education.
- Introduction of an ICT-based registration system for teachers, new and returning students.
- Implementation of a shifting system for schools that have reached their maximum capacity in terms of facilities while additional buildings are provided to meet the increasing demand.
- Coverage of examination fees for all SS3 students, enabling them to write both WAEC and NECO examinations. Exceptional students will be eligible for sponsorship and scholarships.
- Direction of adult learners seeking new enrollment to the various Mass Education Centers, ensuring accessibility to education for all.
Usman said the surge in new enrollments witnessed in the state’s primary and secondary schools over the past ten working days had necessitated immediate action.
She cited an example of a teacher, Isa Mohammed, who teaches at the Salihu Dogo Primary School, Jalingo, who revealed that the school had enrolled over 300 new pupils since resumption last week Monday.
She added that the state governor had tasked the state’s Ministry of Education and Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to ensure prompt implementation of the new measures approved by the state government.