Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for a robust investment in education to combat the deep-rooted poverty in the North-East, urging the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) and the Federal Ministry of Regional Development to prioritize this sector.
Shettima made the call during a meeting with the NEDC leadership at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he was briefed on the progress of the Accelerated Senior Secondary Education Programme (ASSEP).
He commended the NEDC for its commendable strides in education and emphasized that their work would leave a lasting positive impact on the region’s future.
Describing education as the ultimate equalizer, Shettima highlighted its potential to uplift even the most disadvantaged individuals, stressing its vital role in transforming the region.
He also pointed out the alarming levels of poverty in the North-East, which, he noted, are on par with some of the world’s most impoverished areas. He connected these harsh socioeconomic conditions to the rise of militant groups in the region, emphasizing the urgent need to address the root causes.
While acknowledging the daunting challenges, the Vice President praised the NEDC and its partners, including Mariam Masha, for their work in advancing the ASSEP initiative. He lauded the program for its potential to reshape the educational landscape and bring lasting change to the region.
One of the highlights of the program is the introduction of Virtual Reality (VR) headsets, a tool Shettima called revolutionary for transforming the learning experience.
He emphasized that such innovative digital tools would not only enhance knowledge retention but also provide remote learning opportunities, helping the region leap into the digital age and contributing to long-term educational advancement.
Shettima urged the NEDC, Ministry of Regional Development, and other stakeholders to collaborate closely for greater efficiency in implementing ASSEP.
He also expressed his appreciation for the NEDC’s commitment to regulations and its dedication to overcoming the region’s challenges.
Earlier, Uba Ahmadu, Minister of State for Regional Development, outlined the objectives of ASSEP, highlighting how it aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of elevating national education standards.
Mohammed Alkali, NEDC’s Managing Director, also provided an overview of the commission’s human capital development initiatives, including teacher training and the establishment of ICT centres across the region.
The meeting concluded with a presentation of VR headsets to the Vice President by Alkali and Masha, symbolizing the future of education in the region.
