The Sokoto State Government, on Wednesday announced that it would conduct proficiency test for all principals in public schools in the state.
The state Commissioner, Basic and Secondary Education, Dr Jabbi Kilgori, told the principals at a three-day workshop in Sokoto that there would be no exception.
NAN reports that the workshop, with the theme,”The Principal and School Records For Effective School Administration,” was organized by the Ministry for Education and All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS).
“The incumbent principals must write the examinations to ascertain their proficiency and capabilities to diligently manage their schools.
” In the same vein, any one who will be appointed as principal must write such examination to know whether they are fit to be appointed as so.
” Any of the existing or prospective principals who fails the examination will be weeded out or deployed back to the classroom,” Kilgori said.
The commissioner also announced that all principals would henceforth serve for four years, which may be renewed based on performance.
He added that the government had instituted a reward and punishment system for the school heads, as part of measures to reposition the education sector.
In a message, Gov. Aminu Tambuwal, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Bashir Garba said the administration had allocated about 28 per cent of its 2016 budget to education.
He said that the gesture was part of strategies to restore the lost glory of the education sector.
“Education is the greatest investment any government can make and Sokoto state government will not shirk away from giving the sector the attention it deserves.
” Principals should be disciplined , prudent, innovative, resourceful and ingenious in managing their schools.
” They should also be bossy, be character moulders and serve as role models for teachers, students and their host communities,” Tambuwal said.
The President of ANCOPSS in the state, Alhaji Abdullahi Marafa said that the workshop would sharpen the skills and knowledge of the principals to operate in tune with global best practice.(NAN)
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