The Accelerated Senior Secondary Education Programme (ASSEP), a collaborative initiative between the Federal Government and the North East Development Commission (NEDC), is making significant strides in improving education across the North East states, which include Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe.
This transformative program aims to enhance educational outcomes, particularly in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and agriculture (STEMA), areas that are critical for the future development and human empowerment of the region.
Launched by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima on May 18, 2023, ASSEP is designed to address educational challenges in the region, focusing on equipping students with skills that will prepare them for a technologically advanced future.
The program aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to bridge the educational gap in the region and promote economic growth through improved human capital.
As part of efforts to ensure the successful implementation of ASSEP, a Project Implementation Team (PIT), led by Dr. Mariam Masha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Regional Development Programmes, recently conducted a two-day engagement and assessment visit to Bauchi State, on Tuesday.
The visit aimed to assess the progress of the ASSEP initiative and to engage with key stakeholders in the state’s education sector.
During the first day of the visit, the PIT visited several schools in Bauchi, including Government Girls School, Government Girls Day Secondary School Kofar-Wambai, and Sa’adu Zungur Model School, all located in the Bauchi metropolis.
The team inspected science laboratories, ICT centers, and interacted with teachers who are enrolled in the black belt teacher training component of the ASSEP initiative.
This teacher training program is designed to build the capacity of educators in the region, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to improve the quality of education in their schools.
The team also visited the NEDC ICT Centre at the Ali Tatari Polytechnic, which is expected to serve as a training center for prospective candidates preparing for the computer-based tests administered by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). This center will provide students with the necessary digital skills to excel in the modern educational environment.
Speaking during the state level engagement meeting with stakeholders at Hazibal Suites in Bauchi, Dr. Masha expressed her appreciation for the efforts made by the state’s education stakeholders in supporting the ASSEP initiative.
She highlighted the importance of the engagement session, noting that it was a key part of the assessment visit to the North East states.
“The engagement is an integral part of our assessment visit to the North East states. We aim to evaluate the program’s implementation since its launch and gather feedback from stakeholders,” Dr. Masha said.
She emphasized that ASSEP is a critical component of the Federal Government’s efforts to transform education in the region, with a particular focus on STEM education.
According to her, the program is preparing students for a future driven by technology, which in turn will spur economic development and growth in the region.
Dr. Jamila Dahiru, Bauchi State Commissioner for Education, also praised the ASSEP initiative, stating that it has already had a significant impact on teachers and students in the state.
She highlighted the benefits of the program, particularly in the areas of teacher training, capacity building, and the use of virtual reality for practical science experiences. According to Dr. Dahiru, these initiatives are already enhancing the quality of education in Bauchi State.
“The program’s impact is already being felt, with teachers and students benefiting from virtual reality for practical science experience. Teacher training and capacity building, as well as curriculum development and review, are also key components of the program.
Intensive coaching and mentorship programs have been implemented, and there are plans for quiz competitions, educational events, and vocational training to further engage students and build their skills,” Dr. Dahiru said.
She assured the Federal Government of Bauchi State’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for the success of ASSEP.
Mr. Rabiu Shehu, President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) in Bauchi State, commended the positive results that have been achieved through the ASSEP initiative.
He advocated for the sustainability of the program, noting that it has already yielded impressive outcomes in terms of learning and development for students in the state. “We must ensure its continuity and expansion to benefit more students,” he stated.
The engagement session brought together various stakeholders from the education sector and relevant partners to discuss the progress made so far with the ASSEP initiative and to deliberate on future plans for its implementation.
