Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has flagged off the first phase of training for 1,949 teachers to enhance teaching and learning in the state.

Zulum stated this on Monday while flagging off the training at the Waka Biu College of Education in Biu Local Government Area of the state.

He said that the training followed a competency test conducted by the state government which revealed that out of the 15,823 teachers, who sat for the test, only 5,257 passed.

The governor noted that 6,227 performed below the required pass mark, but were considered trainable; while 4,339 were found to be untrainable.

Zulum explained that while about 1,949 people would benefit in the first phase, the programme would continue to cover 2,730 beneficiaries.

“Precisely, on March 19, the government approved the allocation of N1 billion for the training of 2,730 teachers.

“These teachers will undergo training at the College of Education Waka-Biu and Umar Ibn Ibrahim Elkanemi College of Education, Science and Technology, Bama, for a three-month sandwich programme for 1,884 beneficiaries,” Zulum said.

“About 846 others who do not have tertiary qualification will undergo a full-time NCE programme,’’ he said.

According to him, the training will enhance the standard of education in the state, as each participant will receive the training free with a monthly stipend of N30,000 in addition to their regular salaries.

Zulum directed that each of the 846 that would be enrolled on a full-time NCE programme, be placed on automatic in-service status.

On his part, Mr Zali Audu-Garba, Chairman of Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), lauded the government’s efforts in transforming the education sector.

“It is my candid belief that the education sector is undergoing a tremendous transformation, ranging from human and infrastructural development,” he said.

The occasion was attended by the Senator representing Southern Borno, Ali Ndume; the Emir of Biu, Maidala Mustapha Aliyu II.

Other are members of the Borno House of Assembly; the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe and other senior government officials.