FCT ANCOPSS COMMENDS WIKE ON SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME, LAUNCHES SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME FOR STUDENTS
By: Odugbo Sarah
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the All-Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) has applauded the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for his commitment to educational development through policies and programmes aimed at expanding access to quality education and supporting students’ academic aspirations.
The commendation was made during the 179th Monthly Congress of ANCOPSS held in Abuja, where school principals gathered to deliberate on issues affecting the education sector and reaffirm their commitment to educational excellence and effective school administration.
Addressing participants at the congress, ANCOPSS FCT President, Jiya Mohammed Umar, described the gathering as a valuable platform for reflection, collaboration and renewed dedication to the advancement of education.
He highlighted the launch of the ANCOPSS 2024/2025 Scholarship Scheme as a major milestone in the association’s commitment to promoting educational development beyond school administration. According to him, the initiative reflects the confederation’s determination to support academic excellence and create opportunities for students to achieve their full potential.
Dr. Umar stressed that investing in students is an investment in the future, noting that every child deserves access to opportunities regardless of background or circumstance. He urged scholarship beneficiaries to pursue excellence not only in academics but also in character and moral values.
The ANCOPSS president also commended the FCT Mandate Secretary for Education, Danlami Hayyo, as well as directors across education boards and departments, for their efforts in ensuring that quality education remains accessible to all children in the FCT.
He further praised school principals for their dedication and encouraged them to maintain high standards in school administration, leverage their experience to improve educational outcomes, and work collectively to address emerging challenges in the sector. He reaffirmed ANCOPSS’ loyalty and support for the FCT Administration.
Earlier, while unveiling the scholarship scheme, Director of the FCT Scholarship Board, Hannah David, congratulated the newly elected ANCOPSS FCT executives and commended them for their professionalism and support in the successful implementation of the initiative.
She described the programme as a significant step toward promoting educational excellence, empowering students, and strengthening human capital development in the Federal Capital Territory. Mrs. David also congratulated the scholarship beneficiaries and encouraged them to remain focused, diligent, and committed to academic success.
Reaffirming the board’s mandate, she stated that the FCT Scholarship Board remains committed to transforming lives through education and creating opportunities for future generations.
Also speaking at the congress, Director of the Education Resource Centre, Neemat Daud Abdulrahim, commended principals for their contributions toward achieving the goals of the FCT Education Secretariat.
She urged school administrators to promptly comply with directives from the Education Resource Centre, emphasizing the importance of proactiveness and effective coordination in examination processes. Dr. Abdulrahim disclosed that work on the new curriculum is ongoing in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure successful implementation across the FCT. She also called for strict adherence to examination standards as the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) is underway.
In his remarks, Director of School Services at the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), Victor Orifah, encouraged principals to remain steadfast in their role as frontline administrators responsible for shaping the quality of education.
He assured them that the board is intensifying efforts to address challenges facing schools, particularly in infrastructure development and teacher recruitment. He also reminded principals of the need to uphold professional ethics, demonstrate loyalty to the system, and remain diligent in the discharge of their duties.
Welcoming participants to the congress, the Director/Principal of Junior Secondary School Kubwa I, Akinfolajimi Olayinka, highlighted the school’s achievements since its establishment in 1995.
According to him, the school has recorded notable successes in academics, sports and leadership development, including outstanding performances in the FCT UBEB Head-to-Head Championship, quiz competitions, taekwondo events, and the recent triumph of its female football team in the FCT Minister’s Championship.
Mr. Olayinka, however, appealed for support in addressing infrastructural challenges facing the school to further enhance teaching and learning while sustaining its record of excellence.
The congress concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to supporting policies and programmes of the FCT Administration aimed at promoting quality education, student development and educational excellence across the Federal Capital Territory.
