TESIS: Gov Kefas Building Credible Database For Taraba Students

The decision of Governor Agbu Kefas to introduce Taraba education student identification system (TESIS) in the state has continued to receive wide ovation by critical stakeholders in Taraba state and the nation as a whole.

Taraba state Governor, Kefas Agbu flagged off TESIS as part of efforts to ensure the smooth running of the free education policy in the state and capture data of all students, schools and teachers in the state.

The iniative is to help government build a data base for proper planning in  the education sector.

Prominent stakeholders and leaders in the education sector including the  Chairman National Union of Teachers NUT in the state, Comr. Nathan Solomon;  state chairman Academic Staff Union of Secondary schools (ASUSS) Comr. Sule Abasu and cross section of students as well as political class described the move as positive steps in a right direction.

On its part, the NUT leader Comr. Nathan Solomon who was overwhelmed by the laudable initiative of Gov. Kefas made it clear that the governor has changed the ugly narrative on the education sector in Taraba state.

According to him, the recent measure will go a long way to curb inadequacies/ challenges on pupils/students data collections in the state, thereby providing accurate information on education data including teachers data for optimum planning in the days ahead.

Comr. Solomon reviewed that the current identification system in place was not designed to victimize any teacher(s) in the classrooms but will offer the governor an opportunity to design accurate data that will propel education to an enviable heights as well as assisting NUT body in the state to lay hands on accurate number of both pupils and teachers in that direction.

In his words "we are in full support of governor Agbu Kefas, we are hundred percent solid behind him and we will make sure the system works. We are grateful he has given us hope and direction in education so that the state will move to the next level".

To Comr. Sule Abasu state leader ASUSS said Gov. Kefas has demonstrated clear passion for education judging by the recent flag – off of (TESIS) Program in the state.

Comr. Abasu added that what the governor needed was total commitment and support by Tarabans to enable him actualize his dreams on a laudable initiative on education for the advancement of the state in that direction.

He expressed optimism that the education policy of governor Kefas has come to stay in the state and that all hands must be on deck to enable him to succeed.

Meanwhile, prominent politicians and a cross section of primary/ secondary school pupils/students interviewed shortly after the program hails governor Kefas for initiating such a measure which according to them will move education forward.

Governor Kefas speaking on the identification system said through the program, the government seeks to create an inclusive and equitable education system by removing financial barriers and forging a holistic approach to education.

Agbu  said, "I stand before you today with great pleasure and a sense of pride as we launch a transformative initiative under my leadership.

"Today marks a significant milestone as we embark on the education enrolment program, a bold step towards providing free education to our students.

"We have programmed this to ensure that every child has access to free education. However this is not just about students but also with the teachers who are actively engaged in the job of shaping minds. Teachers are not Just educators but architects of our future. By including them we acknowledge their invaluable contributions to education in the state.

The Governor, who noted that the program requires commitment from everyone involved, called for collaboration from students, teachers, parents and neighbouring communities to ensure that the program is a success.

"As we embark on this journey let's remember that education is a collaborative effort. The success relies on the collective commitment of teachers, students, parent and brother communities

"We must work hand in hand to make the education enrolment program a success so that both students and teachers thrive in this transformative educational journey'" the Governor said.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of education, Dr Augustina Godwin in her speech earlier commended the efforts of Gov Agbu since the free education policy was announced.

She said efforts have not ceased since then to ensure that the program is successful and today a milestone is being celebrated.

"On assumption of office on 29th May 2023, His Excellency declared a state of emergency on education and later declared free education in our primary and secondary schools.

"Since that time our enrollment has been on the increase on a daily basis hence the need for biometric capturing for all our students and pupils across the state. The digital enrollment is to enable the government to ascertain near accurate data that will be used in planning and allocation of resources within the education sector.

"Similarly teachers will be captured to ascertain the ratio of teacher to students to determine whether or not there is a need to employ more teachers. Other benefits include a learning system that will enable students to learn online and teachers to compare learning materials with their counterparts across the state," She said.

The commissioner said by the time the program is successfully implemented, Taraba will be among the only three states of the federation that has fully complied with e- education initiatives.

On her part, the Managing Director ZIP Warehousing Limited and Project Consultant, Mrs Uchenna Eshareturi said the firm will dedicate its time to ensure the provide a system that will aid the education of students, thereby fulfilling the dream of the administration to see a vibrant education sector in the state.