By Yemi Akinsuyi
In an atmosphere of peace and celebration, the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Federal Capital Territory, FCT Chapter, held its 175th Congress at Government Secondary School, Gwagwalada.
Speaking at the event, the Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, described the Confederation as a formidable body that has consistently lived up to its expectations of moulding students into responsible leaders in society and the nation at large.
He commended ANCOPSS for its commitment, consistency, and invaluable contributions toward upholding the ethics of the teaching profession.
Dr. Hayyo, therefore, encouraged members not to relent in their service to the nation, stressing that their contributions remain remarkable.
He advised the newly sworn-in executives to maintain a united front and continue building an ethically professional body where no one is left behind.
He described teaching as the noblest of all professions, noting that its positive impact cuts across all other professions fields as they continue to producing outstanding individuals and personalities who excel in various professions.
The Mandate Secretary further assured that the massive renovation and provision of necessary infrastructure currently being embarked upon by the FCT Administration under the Honourable Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, CON, would cut across all Schools in the Six Area Councils of the FCT.
Also speaking, the Director/Secretary of the FCT Secondary Education Board, Dr. Sani Mohammed Ladan, who is a former President of ANCOPSS in the FCT, noted that the Congress has remained a veritable platform for robust engagement, fostering collaboration, and enabling educators to deliver more effectively.
He called on members to support the vision of the Association and the new executives, while commending the Education Management team led by Dr. Danlami Hayyo for its invaluable contributions to the collective success of the education sector.
In his remarkable valedictory speech earlier, the outgone President, Alhaji Adam Bello Gupa, explained that over the years, FCT ANCOPSS has proven to be a congress of those who shape policies, implement them in the teaching and learning environment and ensure continuity of quality teaching services to the teeming students in their custody.
He stated that the Confederation has continued to demonstrate a collective resolve to build an education system that is resilient, inclusive, and excellent.
Looking back on his four-year tenure, he said it has been a journey marked by progress, unity, and shared impact, where the Association nurtured a vision that uplifted schools, empowered principals, and shaped the destinies of countless students.
Gupa attributed these achievements to the untiring support of members whose visible efforts led to professional development and mandatory continuous training that enriched networks, strengthened capacity, and sharpened leadership skills of principals.
He noted that the welfare of members was given priority, while monthly congresses, annual events such as the Principals’ Cup and quiz competitions to promote sportsmanship, teamwork, and intellectual excellence among students were sustained.
He also highlighted the numerous awards and recognitions received by FCT principals and teachers at both national and local levels.
Expressing his delight, he thanked the FCT Administration under Barr. Nyesom Wike, for promoting career advancement of principals to the ranks of Directors and Permanent Secretaries, thereby affirming the dignity of the teaching profession.
The outgone President extended appreciation to the Mandate Secretary for Education for his guidance and commitment to the education sector, and to the directors of Boards and Agencies of the Education Secretariat for their openness to collaboration and innovation in enhancing the system for collective success.
He urged the incoming executives to sustain professional excellence, strengthen unity and commitment, deepen collaborations, promote inclusivity, and ensure the welfare of members while nurturing future leaders.
He also called on members to give their maximum cooperation to the new leadership.
Performing the task of dissolving the outgoing executives, Hajia Aishatu Sani Alhassan, Director of School Services of the Board, described the occasion as significant, as new leaders would emerge and be sworn in.
She commended the past executives for their dedication to providing quality secondary education services and raising standards to global benchmarks.
She explained that the new executives, drawn from across the Boards and Agencies of the Education Secretariat, must accomplish their tasks with humility, integrity, and commitment.
In his acceptance speech after the oath of office, the new President, Dr. Jiya Umar Mohammed, expressed his appreciation to everyone who found him worthy to serve the noble Association.
He promised to lead with transparency, inclusiveness, and commitment, with a listening ear, while uplifting the Confederation as a beacon of professional excellence.
He was joined by other newly sworn-in officers including Mr. Victor Orifah as Vice President I, Dr. Jimoh A. Sunday as Vice President II, Zubairu U. Ahmed as Secretary, Yusuf Imam Bello as Public Relations Officer, Joyce Oborokumo as General Welfare Officer, Rakiya M. Sule as Treasurer, and Hauwa Aliyu as Financial Secretary, ex officios among others.
The 175th Congress also featured the formal unveiling of the maiden ANCOPSS Press Clips Publication, presentation of awards to members and the Education Secretariat Management, as well as health talks for members.
The event climaxed with the inauguration of the new executives.
