The National Senior Secondary Education Commission NSSEC says it has expedited process of amending the National Secondary Commission NSEC Act 1999, to address critical gaps in Basic Education and align with current realities.
The Commission also stated that NSSEC has obtained the Federal Executive Council approval for submission of the bill to President Muhammadu Buhari for onward transmission to the National Assembly as an Executive Bill.
Inaugurating the Governing Board of the NSSEC, the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu tasked the Council to ensure judicious management of limited funds and put effective strategies in place for early detection of social vices across the secondary schools.
Adamu who emphasised that Education is top priority of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration for National development, charged the council to comply with relevant government policies and extant laws in addition to ensuring transparency, probity and due process in all it endeavours.
According to the Minister, “the governing board should at all times be abreast, abide by current laws, government policies, government white papers, gazettes, circulars and other relevant government documents.
“You should respect the principles of federal character in appointment of members of staff.”
Adamu who noted that the senior secondary education was the only sub-sect that operated without functional regulatory body, called on the newly appointed Executive Secretary of the NSSEC, Dr Benjamin Abakpa, to improve the quality of output of the commission and the secondary education sub-sector.
“As you may be aware, the National Secondary Education Commission Act 47 of 1999 CAP N. 73, LFN 2004 was enacted to oversee the affairs of secondary schools in Nigeria. The commission was restored in 2019 and it commenced operations with the appointment of the Executive Secretary in June, 2021. NSSEC is to regulate and reposition Senior Secondary Education in Nigeria.
“We are confident that you will bring your wealth of experience and adherence to and respect for the rule of law and due process in the discharge of your responsibilities”.
Advocacy and sensitization
The Executive Secretary of NSSEC, Dr Benjamin Abakpa, said aside from prescribing National Minimum Standards and regulating the Senior secondary Education in Nigeria, the commission has embarked on advocacy and sensitization Fora in the (6) Geo-Political Zones in the Country.
“The NSSEC has also commenced Data-Capturing exercise and development of a template for Needs Assessment.
“So far, the National Senior Secondary Education Fund has organized induction programme for all the pioneer staff.
“Presently, we have concluded the drafting processes with the Office of the Hon. Attorney General of the Federation/Minister of Justice (OHAGF/MJ) and have obtained the Federal Executive Council approval for submission to Mr. President for onward transmission to the National Assembly as an Executive Bill.
“Also, commencement of Advocacy and Sensitization for six Geo-Political Zones in the Country, commencement of Data- Capturing exercise and development of a template for Needs Assessment,” he said.
Nneka Ukachukwu
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