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Stakeholders Meeting Called by Kogi State Senior Secondary Education Board (KGSSEB)
A crucial stakeholders meeting in the education sector was convened by the Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Senior Secondary Schools Education Board (KGSSEB), Hajia Dr. Habiba Suleiman, alongside her management team. The meeting brought together all principals of public secondary schools across the state to deliberate on issues affecting the education system and to collectively chart a way forward.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Habiba expressed her gratitude to God for the success of the gathering and appreciated all attendees for honoring the invitation. She emphasized that every individual present is an important part of the educational system and that the challenges faced by one school ultimately impact the entire sector.
Dr. Habiba noted that it had always been her desire to directly interact with school principals, and she was overwhelmed with joy at the turnout. She underscored the importance of the meeting in fostering unity and developing actionable resolutions aimed at improving education in the state.
The Chairman invited inputs before the agenda was officially adopted. She addressed noticeable lapses during the last mock examination period, attributing them to both examination malpractice and students' poor reading culture. However, she praised the timely release of the mock results, which she noted is a step in the right direction.
She stressed that future mock examinations would serve as prerequisites for WAEC registration. Students who do not participate in the mock will not be allowed to register for WAEC. Plans are underway to hold the next mock exams by January or February 2026.
Dr. Habiba passionately urged stakeholders to keep politics out of education and health matters. She gave a troubling analogy from the health sector to highlight the dangers of incompetence and neglect, noting that similar carelessness in the education system could ruin generations to come. She emphasized that education must instill both knowledge and character in students.
She also assured that the rehabilitation of dilapidated school structures is already receiving attention at the government level.
Key Policy Highlights:
No student should be admitted into another school without a valid transfer certificate.
New intakes must not exceed 45 students per classroom unless sufficient infrastructure is available.
Cleanliness and moral education should be integral parts of school activities.
She announced that the federal government, through the Ministry of Education, has declared that Computer-Based Examinations (CBE) will officially begin in 2026, and principals must begin preparing immediately.
Schools must start introducing computer literacy and digital tools in preparation for CBT (Computer-Based Testing), as WAEC and other national exams may soon transition to this format.
Principals and teachers must serve as role models by dressing decently and upholding professionalism.
In closing, Dr. Habiba reminded principals that it will no longer be business as usual. She reiterated that leadership in education carries enormous responsibility and must be handled with dedication and seriousness.
Compiled by:
Comrade Jélìl Adabara
Principal, Okene Secondary School (OSS)