UBE programme recruits 1,200 teachers in Kaduna
 The Universal Basic Education (UBE), programme has recruited a total of 1,200 teachers for primary schools in Kaduna.
Governor Ahmad Makarfi of Kaduna state made this known in Zaria in Kaduna at the 14th annual general meeting of the Zaria Education Development Association (ZEDA), held in the ancient city.
Makarfi explained that all the teachers held a minimum of the National Certificate of Education (NCE), papers in line with the new government regulation on childhood education.
He said the state government had approved the recruitment of additional 2,000 teachers to cope with the increasing challenges of the new system.
Represented by his deputy, Mr Patrick Yakowa, the governor said about 100 neighbourhood secondary schools had been constructed in the state.
He said his government had engaged the National Teachers Institute (NTI), and the Institute of Education of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, to assess the training needs of its primary and secondary school teachers.
Makarfi also said government had established a Directorate of Private Schools, to enable them effectively contribute to the development of education in the state.
He commended the ZEDA for its efforts toward creating the enabling environment for sustainable development of education in the state.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman, Board of Trustee of ZEDA, Alhaji Muhammad Sambo, said the association was formed in 1992 with the objective of saving the education in Zazzau Emirate from collapse.
He expressed worry that the association was experiencing serious financial difficulties because of declining community participation and failure of members to redeem their pledges.