Kaduna: The Kaduna State Head of Service, Mrs. Jummai Bako, has been recognized with an Award of Excellence in Leadership and Transformative Reforms in Workers’ Welfare. The accolade was bestowed upon Bako by the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), Kaduna State College of Education, Gidan Waya Chapter, during their recent get-together and awards ceremony held in Gidan Waya.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, upon receiving the award, Bako expressed gratitude to the union for acknowledging her efforts and reiterated the government’s dedication to enhancing staff welfare and institutional performance. She acknowledged the academic staff’s role in providing quality teacher education and producing graduates who are contributing significantly across different sectors in the country. Bako also applauded the college for its consistent output of distinguished graduates and encouraged the staff and management to maintain their standard of excellence.
Earlier, Dr. Christopher Yerima, Chairman of the union, elaborated that Bako was awarded for her outstanding leadership and her focus on advancing workers’ welfare in the state. Yerima proudly mentioned that the college boasts 80 PhD holders in various fields, contributing to academic excellence. He appealed to Governor Uba Sani to reconsider Order 2 of the 65-year Retirement Policy, which he argued contradicts the College of Education Law of 2018 (as amended). The policy currently allows teachers in secondary and basic education to retire at 65 without screening, while academic staff in state tertiary institutions are required to undergo screening.
Yerima also urged the release of the White Papers from the last two visitation panels formed in the past decade to ensure the recommendations are fully implemented. Additionally, he requested the construction of internal road networks at the college’s permanent site and the completion of the abandoned administrative block and student clinic. He equally pressed the state government to settle the outstanding 30 percent of the Consolidated Polytechnics and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Salary Structure and Consolidated Tertiary Education Institutions Salary Structure.
Dr. Ayuba Aku, the Provost of the college, highlighted the institution’s recent achievements, including being recognized by the Joint Administration and Matriculation Board as the top-performing College of Education in Nigeria for 2025 admissions. Represented by Dr. Grace Tabat, Deputy Provost, Administration, Aku asserted that the college is one of the finest in the nation.
Associate Prof. Bashir Idris, Chairman of the occasion, lauded COEASU for promoting a culture of excellence and hard work. Idris encouraged award recipients to continue their dedication to serving humanity and to inspire others through exemplary behavior.
The event also honored former provosts, serving management, and academic staff of the college for their contributions to its growth and development. Among those recognized were Mr. Ishaya Dari Akau, former Provost of the College, and Malam Abdullahi Mohammad, who also served as acting Provost of the college, along with Mr. Elisha Bisalla, the Registrar of the College, other academic staff, and Mr. Adamu Magaji, Director-General, Kaduna State Facilities Management Agency.