By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

SOKOTO – The All Nigerian Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) has conferred the Best Performing Governor Award on Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the development of education in the state.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by the state chairman of ANCOPSS, Muhammad Ikililu, who led other members of the association on a Sallah homage to the Governor.

Ikililu stated that the award was in acknowledgment of Governor Aliyu’s remarkable achievements in the education sector, which have distinguished him among his peers. He highlighted several of the governor’s initiatives, including the renovation of numerous secondary and primary schools across Sokoto State.

“Before the emergence of Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration, most secondary schools in the state were in deplorable conditions—lacking proper classrooms, staff rooms, toilet facilities, and a conducive learning environment,” Ikililu said.

He particularly noted that the lack of toilet facilities had contributed to the low attendance of female students, a challenge now being addressed by the current administration.

The ANCOPSS chairman also commended the governor for introducing a ₦200,000 monthly cash allocation to principals to enable them to carry out minor repairs in their schools. Additionally, he applauded the review of students’ feeding allowance from ₦150 to ₦450 per student, a policy he said has significantly improved school attendance and retention.

In a similar development, Governor Aliyu also received a delegation from the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), led by its chairman, Alhaji Ummaru Na Gwari Tambuwal. The chairman lauded the governor’s efforts in renovating primary schools and implementing a ₦70,000 minimum wage for primary school teachers.

“Before your administration, many of our teachers were denied promotions. That is now history. All deserving teachers have since been promoted,” Tambuwal stated, assuring the governor of continued support from primary school educators.

In his response, Governor Aliyu called on ANCOPSS and SUBEB to reciprocate the administration’s efforts through dedication and commitment to duty.

“I expect extra hard work, commitment, and punctuality from all educators so that our students can receive the best education possible,” the governor said.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for effective teaching and learning at both the basic and secondary levels. Governor Aliyu also appealed to parents and guardians to support the state government’s mission to transform Sokoto from an educationally disadvantaged state to a model of academic excellence.