EDUCATION SECRETARY ENGAGES SEB, DSTI MANAGEMENT ON SECTOR CHALLENGES

By: Hauwa Mahmud Madugu

The Mandate Secretary for Education in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has held an interactive session with management staff of the Secondary Education Board (SEB) and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), describing the engagement as a platform to assess progress and identify areas requiring urgent attention.

The Secretary noted that the meeting was aimed at “feeling the pulse” of both departments, to evaluate the impact of the current administration and explore practical steps for improved service delivery.

In their separate submissions, management staff of SEB and DSTI highlighted key challenges affecting their operations, including shortage of personnel, inadequate school buses, the need for government-owned Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres, and increased funding to support critical programmes and engagements.

Responding, the Mandate Secretary urged the departments to continue to effectively utilise available resources while assuring them that the government is already considering strategic areas for intervention.

Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Education Secretariat, Mrs. Joy Chinwe Okeke, welcomed participants and encouraged them to take full advantage of the session by engaging constructively.

The Director/Secretary of SEB, Hajiya Fatima Baba Gambo, expressed appreciation to the Mandate Secretary for providing a platform for staff to directly communicate their concerns.

Similarly, during a separate meeting with DSTI management, where comparable issues were raised, the Mandate Secretary reassured them of the Secretariat’s commitment to addressing the identified challenges.

Also speaking, the Director of DSTI, Dr. Olobashola Kolawole, appreciated the Mandate Secretary for his dedication to the growth and development of the department and the Secretariat at large.