The Accelerated Senior Secondary Education Programme, a collaborative effort between the Federal Government and the North East Development Commission, is transforming educational outcomes in North East states, including Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe.
Unveiled by Vice-President, Senator Kashim Shettima on May 18, 2024, ASSEP focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Agriculture to drive future development and human empowerment.
A statement by ASSEP said that Senior Special Assistant to the President on Regional Development Programs, Dr Mariam Masha, led the Project Implementation Team on a two-day assessment tour of schools in Bauchi State, engaging with key stakeholders in the education sector.
During the first day of the visit, the team inspected several schools in Bauchi metropolis, including Government Girls’ Bauchi, Government Girls Day Secondary School Kofar-Wambai, and Sa’adu Zungur Model School.
They evaluated science laboratories and ICT centres and interacted with teachers participating in the ASSEP black belt teacher training component.
The team also visited the NEDC ICT Centre at Ali Tatari Polytechnic, designated as a training hub for prospective candidates preparing for the JAMB computer-based tests.
At an engagement meeting with stakeholders on Tuesday at Hazibal Suites, Dr Masha praised the efforts of local partners, stating, “With ASSEP, Nigeria’s North East states are poised for educational transformation. This engagement is an integral part of our assessment visit to evaluate the program’s implementation and gather feedback.”
She noted that ASSEP aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at bridging the education gap in the region.
She said, “By focusing on STEM education, ASSEP prepares students for a technologically driven future, fostering economic growth and development.”
Bauchi State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Jamila Dahiru, also commended ASSEP, “This program will enhance the quality of education in our state. The benefits are already evident, with teachers and students experiencing practical science education through virtual reality.”
She added that the program included teacher training, curriculum development, quiz competitions, and vocational training, saying, “We are committed to providing an enabling environment for ASSEP’s success.”
President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, in Bauchi State, Mr Rabiu Shehu, called for sustainability and extension to other schools.
“ASSEP has yielded impressive outcomes in terms of learning. We must ensure its continuity and expansion to benefit more students,” he noted.
The engagement session brought together stakeholders and partners in the education sector to discuss ASSEP’s progress and plans.