Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, today assured teachers in the state of a better deal as his administration makes the first bold move to reposition the state to live its name as the Light of the Nation in the educational sector.

In his inaugural address to a gathering of all principals and managers of secondary schools in the state in Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area, Chief Obiano explained that education occupies a priority position in his blueprint as it was the single most important key that would unlock the potentials of the Anambra people.

The governor further observed that his immediate predecessor, “Peter Obi had done very well in education and we are determined to improve upon the foundation he laid. We have adopted tested models that will return Anambra to its pre-eminent position as the Light of the Nation in education.”

The governor however reminded the teachers that it was their responsibility to reshape society by equipping the students with the right values that would help them evolve into responsible citizens.

“I learnt most of the values that I live by today from my days in secondary school. The virtues of hard work, respect for elders, etiquette and other values that lead to the emergence of a responsible citizen are all imparted on the students at this level of education. So, I expect you to do the right thing by our children,” he stated.

Governor Obiano also assured the teachers that his administration is determined to improve their lot and that their request for support in the area of training and capacity building would get his express approval when formally presented.

He however warned that he would not condone any laxity from teachers, especially those that are notorious for keeping away from classes, saying: “I want to put you on notice that I plan to pay surprise visits to schools. I will not tell anybody where I plan to visit and when but I expect to see you in the classroom when I come. I will not take kindly to anyone who is away from his or her duty post when I visit.”

Earlier in her opening remarks, the Chairman of Post-Primary Schools Service Commission (PPSSC), Lady Joy Ulasi, had recalled that as the son of a headmaster, every teacher in Anambra State feels a sense of fulfilment in Obiano’s emergence as the governor of Anambra State.

Quoting from the governor’s campaign press statement which she said “actually moved many of us to pray for your victory,” Lady Ulasi explained that Anambra teachers expect great things from the new administration.

According to her, PPSSC urgently needs more buses to ensure a more effective supervision and on-the-spot checks in the 254 post-primary schools in the state. In addition, the commission also wants to move from its temporary location along Enugu-Onitsha Expressway to its permanent address in the shortest possible time and would be grateful if the governor could help actualise this wish, she said.

In his welcome address, the President of the Anambra State chapter of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Sir Godfrey N. Ajiba, had made a series of requests, including the appointment of principals as permanent secretaries, promotion of principals to higher grade levels, sponsorship of principals to national and international conferences as well as a donation of a piece of land in Awka, the state capital for the building of a befitting secretariat for ANCOPSS.

•Photo shows Governor Willie Obiano (m), Lady Joy Ulasi, Chairman, Post-Primary Schools Service Commission (L), Dr. Uju Okeke, Commissioner of Education (3rd r), and some students of Nnamdi Azikiwe Secondary School, Abagana, at the governor’s first meeting with School Principals . . . today at Abagana.

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