For Advancing Free Education and Reducing Out-of-School Children inTaraba State TSUBEB is Our Government Agency of the Year

In 2024, the Taraba State Universal Basic Education Board (TSUBEB) has emerged as a shining example of commitment to education, earning the well-deserved title of Government Agency of the Year. Under the able leadership of Deaconess Rabi Sunday, the Acting Chairman of the Board, TSUBEB has not only met but exceeded expectations in the execution of Governor Agbu Kefas's groundbreaking free and compulsory education policy. This achievement, which has led to a significant reduction in the number of out-of-school children in the state, underscores the transformative impact of the agency on the education sector in Taraba.

Since her appointment as Acting Chairman, Deaconess Rabi Sunday has demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision. Within just one year, she and her team have been instrumental in fulfilling the education goals set by Governor Agbu Kefas, particularly in primary education. Her approach has been hands-on, working closely with her management team and Dr. Augustina Godwin, the state Commissioner for Education, to ensure the effective implementation of key educational policies.

One of the most notable aspects of Deaconess Sunday's leadership is her dedication to ensuring that the Governor's policy of free and compulsory education is adhered to across the state. Alongside her team, she has traveled to various Senatorial zones in Taraba to monitor the enforcement of this policy, ensuring that headmasters and other education stakeholders are compliant with the mandate. This proactive approach has been critical in ensuring that education reaches every child, regardless of their background or financial situation.

In the past year, TSUBEB has made several remarkable strides that have significantly enhanced the quality and accessibility of education in the state. Some of these achievements include the procurement and distribution of 25 laptops to staff across the Ministry of Education, SUBEB Headquarters, and Local Government Area (LGA) Education Management Information System (EMIS) officers. These tools have been crucial in modernizing the administration of education and improving overall efficiency.

Furthermore, the distribution of 1,267 tablets to schools for attendance tracking and teacher mentoring exercises has empowered educators to monitor and support students more effectively. In addition, TSUBEB has provided 50,000 sets of essential learning materials, including textbooks, exercise books, pens, and pencils, to schools across the state. The distribution of 4,348 first aid boxes and 24,000 supplementary readers for the Lower Basic Education Programme has also played a significant role in enhancing the learning environment for students.

One of the standout initiatives under Deaconess Sunday's leadership has been the Early Grade Reading Programme, which was launched with the support of USAID. This program, targeting Primary 1 to 3 students, aims to improve literacy rates and has already seen the establishment of pilot classes for Early Grade Reading in every Local Government Area (LGA) across the state. To ensure the program's successful implementation, a team of Early Grade Reading Master Trainers has been established and trained, further solidifying the program's foundation in Taraba's education system.

Beyond these tangible accomplishments, Deaconess Sunday's leadership has been pivotal in ensuring that Taraba State remains one of the few in Nigeria to meet the criteria for accessing the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) matching grants. This not only reflects the state's commitment to quality education but also provides a much-needed boost to the resources available for further educational development.

Another significant achievement during her tenure has been the acquisition of a permanent site for TSUBEB, with construction already underway for a new, modern headquarters that will serve as a hub for educational administration in the state. Additionally, efforts to redistribute and post teachers strategically across the state to balance pupil-teacher ratios have contributed to a more equitable distribution of educational resources.

Throughout this period, the support of Dr. Augustina Godwin, the state's Commissioner for Education, has been invaluable. A seasoned educationist and former lecturer at Taraba State University, Dr. Godwin's expertise and guidance have been crucial in supporting TSUBEB's initiatives and ensuring that the education sector in Taraba continues to thrive.

Deaconess Rabi Sunday, in reflecting on the progress made, expressed gratitude to the government of Dr. Agbu Kefas for fulfilling his campaign promise to prioritize education. "We remain grateful to the government of Dr. Agbu Kefas for keeping to his campaign promise. I remember during his campaign, he gave the people of the state his word on education, and I am happy to say that he has fulfilled that promise. There has been an increase in school enrollment, and we are seeing a reduction in the number of out-of-school children. His policy of free and compulsory education has addressed many of the challenges facing basic education in the state, and this has endeared him to the people," she said.

In 2024, the Taraba State Universal Basic Education Board (TSUBEB) stands as a model of effective governance and impactful change in the education sector. Under the leadership of Deaconess Rabi Sunday, TSUBEB has not only played a key role in advancing the free education policy of Governor Agbu Kefas but has also made significant strides in improving educational outcomes for children across Taraba. For these remarkable achievements, TSUBEB is proud to be named Government Agency of the Year, a recognition well-deserved for its outstanding contributions to the education of future generations in Taraba State.