In Taraba State, the free and compulsory education policy introduced by Governor Agbu Kefas is not only changing the narrative of deficit in education standards but also positioning the state as a model for other northern states.
The improved performance of Taraba State students in external examinations like the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) are pointers to a change. According to some observers, this development indicates that the free education policy, including payment for WAEC registration for candidates in Taraba public schools, by the Kefas administration, is yielding positive results.
Analysts describe Governor Kefas’ strides, and initiatives in the education sector as transformative in the history of the state.
Upon assumption of office, one of the first moves of Governor Kefas was a declaration of free education from primary to secondary school levels and a reduction by half of the tuition fees of tertiary institutions in the state.
Observers believe that Governor Agbu Kefas’ singular declaration of free education from primary to secondary school levels has dramatically reshaped the education landscape in Taraba State.
Since the policy’s implementation, school enrollment has surged as thousands of previously out-of-school children now have access to quality education without the financial burden, that is, payment of school fees, that was once held on to as an excuse. Parents who had struggled to afford basic schooling for their children are now sending them to school in droves, confident that the government’s support will cover uniforms, learning materials, and even transportation in some cases.
This bold initiative has positioned Taraba as a state committed to reversing the trend of educational neglect, low literacy and poor school attendance. The ripple effects of this policy are already evident as the state moves toward a brighter future where education is no longer a privilege for a few but a right for all.
Beyond increased enrollment, Governor Kefas’ reforms are transforming the state’s education sector in more ways than one. By cutting tuition fees at tertiary institutions in half, the Governor has extended the benefits of free education to higher levels, enabling more students to pursue advanced studies. This move has made tertiary education accessible to a broader demography of the state’s population, especially those from lower-income backgrounds who previously could not afford it.
Meanwhile, with a renewed focus on teacher welfare, infrastructural improvements, and enhanced security in schools, the quality of education in Taraba is steadily improving. Teachers are more motivated, students are better equipped, and learning environments are safer and more conducive. These developments signal a significant shift in Taraba’s educational trajectory, promising long-term socio-economic growth fueled by an empowered and educated populace.
At a recent meeting with public school principals and head teachers held at the Jolly Nyame Stadium Gym Hall in Jalingo, Governor Kefas reiterated his administration’s strong stance on the free education policy.
The Governor declared that “There is no going back on free and compulsory education.” This declaration underscored the Governor’s commitment to the education sector in the state.
Governor Agbu Kefas’ commitment to free and compulsory education is seen as a bold step toward a brighter future for Taraba State. With improved academic performance, better-equipped schools, and a motivated teaching workforce, the state is set to overcome its past challenges and emerge as a beacon of educational progress in the north. As the rest of the country watches, Taraba is proving that with the right leadership and policies, the future can indeed be better for citizens.
