NSUBEB Chairman’s Giant Strides Made In Repositioning Basic Education In Nasarawa State In The Last Five Months
Rabiu Omaku
The recently appointed Executive Chairman of the Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr.Kassim Mohammed Kassim, was appointed on the 14th May 2025, after the expiration of the five-year second tenure of his predecessor, Honorable Mohammed Musa Dan’azumi.
Within more than five months in office, he introduced a lot of reforms that have a direct impact on basic education in the State. Dr. Kassim’s track record in 100 days in Nasarawa SUBEB is indelible in the sands of the history of the board.
The executive Chairman was described by some analyst as a goal getter quickly swung into action and discovered that the board was bereft of an abiding relationship, one of the frantic steps he took was to mitigate staff deficit in Primary Schools in the State by returning 1,300 teaching staff that converted to administrative staff back to classrooms, this proactive measure was meant to addressing the vacuum created over the years.
It was a celebration galore after the announcement of Dr. Kassim Mohammed Kassim for the new and herculean task of running the affairs of public primary schools in the “Home of Solid Minerals.
The articulate Executive Chairman, who before now served as a member of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, despite the hit at the then Assembly, he was able to weather the storm; he also served as Special Adviser to the Governor on different occasions.
Revoked Not Less Than 9 Contracts
Dr. Kassim Mohammed Kassim to march words with action, suspended nine contractors for embarking on shabby projects, as well as recovered 184 diverted desks and chairs and renovated offices of the Chairman, members, and the Board Secretary with state-of-the-art gadgets that can stand the taste of time.
Withholding Salaries of Truant Headmasters and Teachers
The Executive Chairman of NSUBEB was able to change the narrative of the Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board in a stringent measure to tackle one of the greatest challenges of NSUBEB which was the rising waves of ineptitude adopted the stoppage of salaries of Headmasters and teachers who are in the habit of exhibiting truancy to work while handful of them were suspended to serve as deterrent to others.
Within the shortest time, the Executive Chairman provided additional 15,716 desks and chairs as well donate vehicle to the new office of the Chief Press Secretary for effective communication, not only that but appointed a seasoned Journalist as Press Secretary.
Review of Laws Guiding the Operations of Private Schools
The review of laws guiding the operations of private schools in Nasarawa State, having broken all hindrances to promoting and accessing retirement benefits of primary school teachers, Dr.Kassim Mohammed Kassim is on a cause to review the laws guiding the operations of private schools in the State which no doubt will be of a greater advantage to the State Government.
The Executive Chairman instilled attitudinal Change in teachers
No fewer than 80 percent of teachers were able to change their attitude to work, as those who resisted his approach got desired punishment. He has also gotten the approval to commence inter-school sports competition in primary school starting in September, as well as the development of an e-library for basic education, in addition to awarding about 275 contracts and ensuring speedy completion of the same within the specified 3-month timeline.
Under the incumbent administration of Engineer Abdullahi Sule, quality projects were executed across the State not like before that almost all the story buildings were built without pillars, that single act foist some of the classrooms blocks to be unoccupied not until the coming of the current Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule who earmarked chunk amount of money to add quality to storey building without pillars built under the reign of the then two term Governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura from 2011-2019.
The present headship of NSUBEB has instituted a lot of training and re-training of teachers as well as partnerships with relevant national and international organizations to improve the standards of basic education in Nasarawa State.
His benevolence was also extended to the ten departments under the board. Primary schools in the State are taking shape courtesy of the reforms brought in by the Executive Chairman. Dr Kassim, who is marching words with action by thinking outside the box.
He is making frantic efforts to recruit new hands in rural schools to close the gap in the shortage of teachers and return them to the glorious old days. It is only logical to say that the board under Dr Kassim Mohammed Kassim is on a sound footing for the growth and development of education at the cradle of education.
Other remarkable feat recorded under the headship of the new Executive Chairman of NSUBEB was his intermittent advised to contractors to always embarked on quality projects, the chairman explained further that, the contracts are for the 2023 projects which are more than 10 months without the various contractors reporting to site and making efforts to report back to the board, as all efforts to reach the affected contractors were unsuccessful.
According to the Chairman, “On this basis, the following contracts are hereby revoked,” he declared
They include Lot 102N: Renovation of a block of 2 classrooms with office awarded to Egya Yahuza Agbokawa Nigerian Limited to JSS Nyanyan Gwamdara, Karu LGA.
Lot 110N: Renovation of a block of 2 classrooms with office block “C” awarded to Nimus Nigerian Limited at Primary School Ara, Nasarawa LGA.
Lot 142N: Construction of Handpump Borehole awarded to A A Jarimi Global Services at Primary School Maiganga, Wamba LGA.
Lot 57N: Construction of 4 Compartment Toilets (Water System) awarded to Nagari Homes Limited at JSS Gadabuke, Toto LGA.
Lot 107N: Renovation of a block of 2 Classrooms with Office awarded to Construction Nigerian Limited at Primary School Ashigye, Lafia LGA.
Lot 119N: Renovation of a block of 3 classrooms with 2 office awarded to Tramach Nigerian Limited at Primary School Bassa Central, Kokona LGA
Lot 152N: Construction of Handpump Borehole awarded to Sale Muhammad Waziri Ventures at Primary School Gidan Kuje , Keana LGA
Lot 158N: Construction of Handpump Borehole awarded to Tramach Nigerian Limited at Pilot Science Primary School, Ikka, Nasarawa Eggon LGA
Lot 165N: Construction of Handpump Borehole awarded to Al-Babai Dynamic Concept Nigeria Limited at Zainaku Primary School, Umaisha, Toto LGA.
Dr Kassim urged the 2024 contractors to be mindful of the dates in their award letters and return to site or will face the same action after the expiration of 3 months starting from the date indicated in their contract award letters.
Inaugurates Committee To Plan An ‘Education Summit
The Executive Chairman, Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr Kassim Muhammad Kassim has inaugurated a committee to plan a robust educational summit that will chart a way forward for basic education in Nasarawa State.
The committee, which has a retired permanent secretary, Mr Allahnana John Attah (Permanent Member 1 of the board) as Chairman, was inaugurated on Friday, July 25th, 2025, at the boardroom of the Chairman of the Board. He says he has approval from Governor Abdullahi Sule to organize this summit to discuss the way forward for basic education in Nasarawa State.
NSUBEB Seeks Intervention for Special Education
The management of the Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board, NSUBEB, was in the head office of the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, in Abuja, to find out why Nasarawa State is not receiving intervention for special education.
The team was headed by Permanent Member 2 of the board, the Director of Academic Services, as well as the desk officer of special education at the board.
NSUBEB Lauded By FG Over Renovation of Schools In Nasarawa State
Community leaders and other stakeholders in the education sector of Nasarawa State have hailed Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board, the Federal Government, and the Universal Basic Education Commission on the renovation and construction of boreholes, perimeter fence of primary schools, and classrooms in their communities.
The Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board in Lafia Local Government Area of the State, the District Head ( Dagaci) of Angwan Galadima 2, Alhaji Ali Na Ali Galadima, and the community leader of the area expressed happiness that the new projects have really motivated parents and guardians to send their children to schools.
According to him, the renovation and construction of more classrooms in their area have increased enrollment in schools. “Yes, because of the renovation and construction of more classrooms, parents now come every time wanting to have their children enrolled in the school,” he said.
Ali Na Ali Galadima, appealed to the Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board Management to come to their plight to consider reshaping Angwan Galadima Primary School, which was damaged by a windstorm and rain, which took over the four (4) blocks of classrooms, which were renovated by a Non-Governmental Organisation for the benefit of Nasarawa State children. He also solicited for the management of the Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board to fence the school.
NSUBEB Chairman Urges Angwan Galadima Community To Protect The School From Encroachment And Vandalisation.
The State Executive Chairman has commended the Executive Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, for his concerted efforts aimed at creating an environment conducive to teaching and learning in primary schools in the State.
“You can see the efforts of the present Government in the area of construction of classes, provision of teaching and learning, as well as providing instructional materials. Our topmost priority is our goal at the Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board.
NSUBEB Under Him Committed To Constructing More Classrooms, Toilets
The Executive Chairman of the Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board to make primary school more habitable, which is, changing the entire environment where open defecation is not an offence. The Chairman started this on Friday, July 18th, 2025, when he led the North-Central Zonal Director of the UBEC, Abuja, Mr Edward Abalaka, to assess development.
Presentation of Official Car To Media And Communication Unit
In fulfilment of his promise to strengthen the media and Communication unit of the Board, the Executive Chairman, Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board, NSUBEB Dr Kassim Muhammad Kassim has presented a brand new car to the Media unit of the Board.
The NSUBEB chairman, while presenting the official car Friday July 18th 2025 at the board premises,he said the gesture was to ease their mobility and enhance productivity, noting that the car was purchased from his personal resources and donated to the board media unit as part of his contributions to the development of the board.
Presenting the vehicle on behalf of the NSUBEB, the North Central Zonal Director, Universal Basic Education Commission, (UBEC) Mr Edward Abalaka task the media unit of the Board to be up and doing to project the image of the board in a positive direction and be objective in reporting the activities of the board.
He explained that Dr Kassim has already written his name in gold and proven that he is a young man that can be trusted with leadership positions.the transformation going on in NSUBEB is glaring, the other day, he settled 5 months salaries of staff of Smart School from his pocket, today he has purchased a vehicle for his media unit from his personal resources. on behalf of the executive secretary of UBEC, I say, keep the flag flying, my prayers is for God to give you more grace to continue to impact on the board” he said
He enumerated the achievements of the NSUBEB chairman within a short time in office and congratulates the media unit for having a chairman who cares for their welfare.
Also speaking, the Secretary of the board Hashiya Ahmed, Permanent member one of the Board, Mr Allahnana Attah, the NUT chairman as well as all the line Directors of the board who attended the presentation applauded the chairman for running a transparent and an all inclusive government at the board.
Parameter Fencing As The Last Option To Secure School Plot
With the unabated insecurity in the country which Nasarawa State was part of the State as well the trespassing of Primary school plots , Saying school plots must be protected from invaders, It has been recorded that individuals have begun constructing houses on plots of schools.
In light of this, It has became very necessary to secure the school’s property to ensure transparency and protection.The Chairman of the Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board,Dr.Kassim Mohammed Kassim made this known during his visit to Akwanga South Primary School,Dr Kassim emphasized the importance of punctuality among the staff.
Noting that the State Government is committed to improving security in Schools.As a way of motivating the staff ,the Executive Chairman presented a sum of Fifty Thousand naira,he further explained that NSUBEB inspection for the fencing of Akwanga South Primary School will commence shortly.
The Need For Maintenance Culture
“We however advised that in so far as the Board constructs and renovates physical structures and provide infrastructures, it remains the responsibility of all to ensure the proper maintenance of such projects. Also, the present poor attitude to maintenance, we will vowed to reverse the trend for the better “.
Governor Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule of Nasarawa State is a rare gem whose style of leadership, pedigree, work ethic and antecedents speak to the true virtues and qualities of “an educated mind and a politician who respects and keep the public trust”
Governor Sule is indeed, a straightforward, trustworthy and reliable leader who emphasizes the essence of truth, display sincerity, and practice what he preaches.
He is a visionary and wonderful leader whose style of politics is sincere, inclusive and results oriented.
He has consistently demonstrated that charity and philanthropy are essential ingredients of good leadership, that is, leadership that is based on sacrifice and sees the masses as its significant other.
Through his thoughtful leadership, great vision, and sincerity, he has continued to leave lasting imprints of positive impacts on every aspect of our dear state, Nasarawa, and beyond; all of these only reaffirm the popular saying that ‘leadership is a character’.
NSUBEB Executive Chairman Urges Communities To Take Ownership of Public Schools
Dr Kassim Muhammad Kassim, Executive Chairman of the Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board, while inspecting some primary schools in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Improved Infrastructure, Teacher Training, and Access to Quality Education
As the Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB) Chairman continues to make waves in the education sector, it’s clear that his leadership has brought about significant positive changes to primary education in the state,since assuming office, he has implemented numerous initiatives that have improved the quality of education, increased access, and enhanced the overall learning environment.
Improved Infrastructure:
The Chairman has overseen the renovation and construction of new classrooms, libraries, and toilets in various primary schools, providing a conducive learning environment for pupils.
Capacity-Building Workshops
Plans have been conducted for teachers to enhance their pedagogical skills, ensuring they are equipped to deliver high-quality education.
Increased Access to Education:
Programs have been implemented to encourage enrollment and retention of pupils, particularly in rural areas, bridging the gap in access to education.
Quality Assurance:
Regular monitoring and evaluation of schools ensure adherence to standards, guaranteeing pupils receive quality education.
1 Provision of Instructional Materials:* Educational resources and materials have been provided to schools, enabling teachers to effectively deliver lessons.
Teaching Methods:
New teaching approaches have been introduced to enhance learning outcomes, making education more engaging and interactive.
3. School Management: Strengthening of school management systems has improved governance, ensuring efficient administration and effective use of resources.
These initiatives have had a profound impact on primary education in our state. Pupils are now learning in improved facilities, taught by skilled teachers, and have access to quality educational resources. The Chairman’s commitment to education has set a new standard for excellence, and we look forward to continued progress.
I urge all stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and the community, to support the NSUBEB Chairman’s efforts to further improve primary education. Together, we can build a brighter future for our children and our state.
By highlighting these achievements and policies, i hope to inspire more support and collaboration to drive positive change in our education system.
Land Dispute: NSUBEB Chairman suspends contract work at a Primary School in Wamba
Executive Chairman, Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board,.NSUBEB Dr Kassim Muh’d Kassim has directed a contractor to suspend work at RCM Primary School in Wamba LGA.
Dr Kassim gave this order Friday August 1st 2025 when he visited the school to inspect progress of work, where he was confronted with a lingering land dispute involving a specific family and the school management in the host community regarding boundary.
The NSUBEB helmsman in his wisdom immediately directed the suspension of the work, and appealed to the Local Government Chairman and the school head to intervene by reaching out to the family to resolve the issue.
He urged the parties to come together and agreed on the boundary issue, noting that the school is located to serve the children of the both communities.
Overhauling The Basic Education.
The remarkable feat record by the new Executive Chairman of the Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board became noticeable when a four pointer,workaholic,capacity,a Messiah to smart school,A former national coordinator Public Works representing Nasarawa State during the era of late President Muhammadu Buhari,A forner Senior Special Assistant to former Governor of Plateau State,Jonah Jang,a former Youth and student Leader ,a former SSA to Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura on Youths and Students Affairs,SSA to Governor Abdullahi Sule on project monitoring Government House Affairs,a former Special Adviser to the Executive Governor on Political Affairs.
Dr.Kassim is a core politician,a reputable educationist per excellence,a worthy example of a true leader.Just in 100 days in office he instantly brought sanity as well as introduced positive changes to the Board for instance conducive learning environment with the upgrading school infrastructure and increased access to basic education.
Nasarawa APC Lauds Executive Chairman NSUBEB For The Remarkable Feat
The Executive Chairman of the Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board,Dr Kassim Mohammed Kassim for exhibiting exemplary, results-driven 100-Days In office.
The Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Nasarawa State, Chief Douglas Otaru, has laud Dr. Kassim Muhammad Kassim for his exemplary and results-driven 100-days in office as the Executive Chairman of the Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board, NSUBEB.
Otaru, in a commendation letter, said the executive Chairman has proven to be a good leader whose achievements have been marked by an array of reforms that have positively impacted the agency and the State’s education sector.
He emphasized that Kassim’s commitment to improving the quality of basic education in the State is evident in the various initiatives he has introduced so far.
“Your efforts have not only enhanced the teaching and learning environment but also improved the overall performance of our teachers and students alike. As the State Publicity Secretary of our great party, I have witnessed firsthand the impact of your leadership on the agency.
“Your vision, dedication, and passion for education have earned you the respect and admiration of colleagues, stakeholders, and the general public, and I enjoin you to continue on that pedestal.
“While I hope to witness more of the exploits in the Agency, I urge well-meaning citizens of Nasarawa State to rally around you and support your efforts to further improve the state’s education sector.
“Your pragmatic approach and commitment to excellence are essential to achieving our collective goal of providing quality education to our children.
“Once again, I commend you for your outstanding leadership and vision. I look forward to seeing more innovative reforms and initiatives that will continue to transform the education landscape in Nasarawa State.
“Congratulations on your remarkable achievements, and I wish you continued success in your endeavors,” Otaru added.
Kassim, a former member of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, NSHA, assumed office on May 14, 2025.
NSUBEB Abolish Unlawful Fees For Teachers Promotion
The Executive Chairman of the Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board,Dr Kassim Mohammed Kassim has abolish the Unlawful Fees charged teachers for promotion in the State, he also announced the clearing of N2.7m salary areas of cleaners and security at the Smart School as well approved security guards for primary schools structures against kidnapping and vandalization, uncover corruption in primary schools security under the Federal government Safer Schools Initiative.
The Executive Chairman Rejected the Lesson Notes by Teachers
To do the needful, the Chairman rejected lesson notes by teachers through Artificial Intelligence (AI) Method produced under the School feeding program engaged members of the Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Nasarawa State.
All Primary School Teachers in Nasarawa to undergo elementary training in Mathematics
The Executive Chairman, Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board, NSUBEB Dr Kassim Muh’ammed Kassim says the board under his leadership will facilitate the training of elementary mathematics by all primary school teachers in Nasarawa State.
He stated this Wednesday August 6th 2025 when he received in his office the Head of Department of Mathematics at Federal University of Lafia, Dr Hassan Ibrahim and the lecturers in the Department.
Dr Kassim said his major challenge in trying to provide quality basic education is the method of teaching in primary schools.
“Mathematics is the father and mother of all subjects, my major problem in basic education is that all primary school teachers are both mathematics, English, social studies, basic science teachers irrespective of their discipline, they teach all subjects, and that is why lesson notes prepared by the teachers is the best, because if you take your time in preparing lesson notes for the basic education section, you will learn better in the cause of your work and have something meaningful to teach the children even if the subject is not your area of specialization.
“I’m not against lesson notes prepared through Artificial Intelligence (AI), AI is good for secondary and tertiary education but not at basic education since the teachers at primary schools teaches all subjects irrespective of their discipline, and the only way they can understand better is to prepare lesson notes” he said
He promised to synergize with the FULAFIA Department of Mathematics to train primary school teachers in basic elementary mathematics so that primary school children can embrace mathematics at their formative stage and prepare them for a better future.
Speaking earlier, the head of mathematics department at FULAFIA Dr Hassan Ibrahim said they have monitored the transformative steps taking by the chairman since assumption of office to revive basic education in Nasarawa State, noting that they were in his office to commend him and seek synergy with the board to train teachers in basic elementary mathematics.
Dr Ibrahim who highlighted the importance of Mathematics in our everyday lives and in most lucrative professions offered to use their knowledge of Mathematics at the University to build a solid mathematics foundation in Nasarawa basic education.
He explained further that the department has initiated what is called “Community Service Engagement” as a platform to train both primary and secondary school teachers in elementary Mathematics so that they can in turn teach the children properly the basics in Mathematics.
“Knowledge of Mathematics is key, you can’t do anything in the world today without mathematics, but our children are running away from it, so we have taken it upon ourselves to convince our children to see the importance of Mathematics and embrace it early in their educational upbringing’ Dr Ibrahim said
NSUBEB Chair, Others Converge To Discuss Conflict Resolution In Nasarawa
Heads of agencies and parastatals in Nasarawa State including the Executive Chairman, Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board, NSUBEB Dr Kassim Muh’d Kassim earlier today assembled at the ministry of local government and chieftaincy affairs Lafia to discuss conflict sensitivity to promote peaceful governance.
The heads of agencies at the 2 day training programme had intensive executive engagement to have a deep understanding of the dynamics of security threats, their socioeconomic dimensions, and near term opportunities to drive stability in government programmes.
The workshop, themed “Conflict Sensitivity,” was organized by the Nasarawa State Government in collaboration with the Institute for Integrated Transition and Middle Belt Brain Trust, led by General Martin Luther Agwai (Rtd).
Key takeaway from the workshop are as thus: Conflict Management Strategies, Negotiation Skills, Practical Application, Analyze Conflicts, and Develop Conflict Resolution Skills.
NSUBEB Chair shocked and utterly disappointed by the level of theft at Central Primary School Akwanga
Executive Chairman, Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board, NSUBEB Dr Kassim Muh’d Kassim has expressed utter shocked and disappointment that all chairs and desks provided for the comfort of pupils at Central Primary School Akwanga have been carted away by thieves.
Dr Kassim alongside his management team conducted an on the spot assessment of facilities of primary schools in Akwanga during an unscheduled visit to Central Primary School Akwanga on Friday 19th September 2025.
He explained that the situation led to Pupils sitting on bare floors to receive teaching, revealing that he has just awarded contract for the fencing and landscaping of the whole school where security men will be employed to safeguard the new furnitures that will be provided.
He promised to revive the dilapidated borehole in the school and build standard toilets to prevent open defeacation.
The NSUBEB chairman who vowed to arrest the ugly situation was received by the Head Of School Mrs Salau Rose and immediately proceeded with the tour and assessment of facilities of some schools in Akwanga.
Rabiu Omaku
The Executive Chairman, Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board, (NSUBEB), Dr Kassim Muhammed Kassim has ordered the suspension of two contracts at Local Government Education Authority (LGEA), primary school Aloshi over low quality of jobs
Dr Kassim announced the suspension Tuesday when he paid an unscheduled monitoring visit to some of the contracts awarded for the renovation and construction of primary schools across the State.
At LGEA primary school Aloshi where he arrived at 8:49am, Dr Kassim directed the contractor, Baba Sisters engineering to poll down immediately the Pillar not fixed from the the foundation of the building and replace another pillar from the root of the building.
At the same vein the Chairman directed another Contractor Namairo and Sons to suspend his work as well and pull down the ceiling used in the building and replaced it with Brazil which is included in the award letter or else his balance will not be paid, adding that the Brazil brand is there in the specification.
The NSUBEB chairman also revoked another contract for building of a school where the contractor use pillars at the middle of the building instead of starting from the ground, ordering the contractor to bring down the building and start the pillars from the ground.
“Please bring down this building and start the pillars from the ground, I want to see the process and monitor it strictly to the end, you can’t put pillars in the middle of the building, such won’t last and may collapse posing a big threat to pupils”.
” My administration will not condone shoddy jobs. I won’t accept sub standard work and any contractor found doing such is at his or her risk as funds for such will not be paid until the right thing is done ” I have included all the materials to be used in the award letters i issued and failure to follow my instructions attract consequence” he said.
