Last week, the Nigerian youth were buzzing with exciting news from Taraba State! Governor Kefas reduced tertiary school fees in Taraba by 50% with a single stroke of the pen. This one action has relieved the burden on parents and students alike.
This action aligns with the Nigerian constitution, which prioritizes the well-being of citizens. The governor has shown his commitment to serving and prioritizing the people of his state.
In a time of high fuel costs, a declining currency, and stagnant wages, governance must prioritize the welfare of its citizens. Gov Kefas has done just that, and this column commends him for taking this first step towards progressive governance. Not many governors understand the importance of human capital in economic and social development.
By reducing fees, Gov Kefas has improved the opportunities for Tarabans to thrive and succeed through education. This fee reduction will allow those who would have dropped out to continue their studies, and those who couldn’t afford education before can now enroll. His action is truly refreshing and commendable. Despite the challenges he may face as a newly elected governor, he has chosen to prioritize the people instead of making excuses.
During an impromptu visit to Taraba State University, Jalingo, Dr Agbu Kefas, the governor of Taraba State, took this commendable action. He instructed the University to immediately reduce school fees by 50%, starting from the next academic session.
Gov Kefas’s decision to reduce tuition fees when other governors are increasing them demonstrates his understanding of the role of education in development. This reduction provides great relief to parents, especially in a time when the economy is struggling and the removal of the fuel subsidy has led to the increase in prices of goods and services.
A few days later, Agbu Kefas declared primary and secondary school education free in Taraba State. He made this announcement at Ebenezer Primary School in Wukari. Starting from the next academic session, primary and secondary education in Taraba State will be completely free. The government will bear all expenses, and students will not be required to pay any fees. Gov Kefas emphasized that this move was not only a fulfillment of a campaign promise, but also a response to the hardships caused by the removal of the fuel subsidy. While other states have used the removal of the fuel subsidy as an excuse to increase the cost of government services, Kefas believes that governance is about alleviating the challenges faced by the poor and low-income earners.
The benefits of Gov Kefas’s actions in making education accessible are numerous. Not only will Taraba youths individually benefit from receiving education, but the state and the country as a whole will also reap the benefits of improved income, career advancement, skill development, and employment opportunities. Societies with higher rates of degree completion and education levels tend to be healthier, more economically stable, have lower crime rates, and greater equality. The future of Taraba is therefore secure, and other governors should emulate these actions.
Other state governors should follow Gov Kefas’s example. Many states have turned their state universities into profit-generating institutions, which should not be the case. Some state universities charge outrageously high tuition fees, competing with private universities, and denying their own people access to higher education. Even in America, state-owned or state-sponsored universities charge low and subsidized fees.
The benefits of free primary and secondary education are enormous. Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s free education policy gave the Western Region a head start in several sectors in Nigeria, a preeminence that the South West still enjoys today.
In a recent column titled “The Unabating Horrific Incidents of Police Brutality,” I highlighted a case of police brutality captured in a viral video in the university town of Ekpoma, Edo State. Policemen intentionally ran over a suspect who had been arrested, handcuffed, and forced to lie down in front of a van. Despite the outcry from members of the community, the policemen, operating a black Sienna bus provided by the Edo State Government, dragged and ran over the helpless man.
As a caring and responsive patriot, the Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun disbanded the Edo State Police command tactical team involved in that incident. In a statement, Force spokesperson CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi announced that this action was taken to address the unprofessional conduct of the police officers responsible for the incident and to restore public trust in the Police Force. The officers involved in this shameful act are currently facing disciplinary actions.
The Inspector General of Police deserves commendation for his swift response to the brutality inflicted by his men on a citizen. His actions show that under his leadership, there will be no tolerance for officers who delight in brutalizing Nigerians. While commending him, this columnist urges him to design and implement “Human Rights and Civics” training for all police formations across the country. This training will help educate and reorient police officers, reducing the occurrence of these embarrassing incidents and fostering a better relationship between the police and the citizens. We hope that the IGP will bring about positive change in police-citizen relations. As a member of the Police Community Relations Committee, I am aware of how much ordinary citizens desire improved and friendlier policing.
May Nigeria REBOUND!