President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to the development of education in Nigeria, particularly in Zaria local government area of Kaduna state.
The honours conferred through awards of excellence to both politicians were conferred over the weekend by the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Zaria chapter, in collaboration with the Local Government Education Authority, and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
The awards were given during one of the events marking the two-year anniversary of the Speaker, tagged ‘Iya Day’ in recognition of his traditional title of Iyan Zazzau, as Abbas expressed gratitude for recognising the fact that without the support of President Tinubu, Zaria Federal Constituency wouldn’t have had the opportunity of enjoying the level of democracy dividends it currently attracts through him.
The president’s award was received on his behalf by the Minister of State for Regional Development, Hon. Ubah Maigari Ahmadu, while Speaker Abbas did the presentation.
Stakeholders at the event, who included the Chairman of Zaria Local Government, Engr. Jamil Ahmad Muhammad; the chairman, Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board, Muhammad Mubarak, as well as the Executive Secretary of Zaria Local Education Authority, Dr. Hassana Muhammad, in their various speeches, acknowledged the speaker’s contributions to the growth of education in Zaria.
Abbas also pledged to set up a fund to enable teachers who are willing to further their studies to do so without hassle.
“I remember when I was a teacher, not many will have the courage to combine teaching and learning. I was able to combine teaching and studying at the same time. In those days in Zaria, we were blessed early on to have many institutions, unlike other parts of the North, and I took advantage of that opportunity to further my education.
“As a result, I’m going to set up a fund for teachers who have the desire to further their education but don’t have the means to be able to do so with ease,” he said.