By Sharon Emephia
The All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), FCT Chapter, has reaffirmed its commitment to unity, progress, and professional excellence as it held its 175th Congress at Government Secondary School, Gwagwalada.
Speaking at the Congress, the Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, described ANCOPSS as a formidable body that has consistently moulded students into responsible leaders in society and the Nation at large. He commended the Association for its commitment, consistency, and invaluable contributions to the teaching profession, urging them not to relent in their service to the Nation.
He described Teaching the noblest of all professions noting that its positive impact cuts across all other fields,as Teachers continue to producing outstanding individuals and personalities who excel in various professions.
He encouraged the new executives to maintain unity of purpose and inclusiveness, assuring that the massive renovations and provision of infrastructure by the FCT Administration under the Honourable Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, CON, will extend to Schools across the Six Area Councils of the Territory.
In the same vein, the Director/Secretary of the FCT Secondary Education Board, Dr. Sani Mohammed Ladan, a former ANCOPSS President, lauded the Congress as a veritable platform for robust engagement, collaboration, and improved service delivery in the Education Sector. He called on members to support the vision of the Association and its new leaders, commending the Education Secretariat under Dr. Hayyo for its remarkable contributions to the collective success of Education in the FCT.
In his inspiring valedictory address, the outgone President, Alhaji Adam Bello Gupa, recalled the progress of ANCOPSS during his four-year tenure, describing it as a journey of unity, shared impact, and transformation. He highlighted achievements including professional development programmes, mandatory continuous training, improved welfare for members, regular congresses, and annual events such as the Principals’ Cup and quiz competitions to promote sportsmanship, teamwork, and intellectual excellence. He also celebrated awards and recognition Nationally and locally received by FCT as the Best School Administrator in various categories and expressed delight at the elevation of principals to the ranks of Directors and Permanent Secretaries under the Wike-led FCT Administration, which he described as affirming the dignity of the teaching profession.
Gupa expressed gratitude to Dr. Hayyo for his guidance, and to the directors of Boards and Agencies of the Education Secretariat for their openness to collaboration and innovation. He urged the New Executives to sustain professional excellence, deepen collaborations, promote inclusivity and members’ welfare, and nurture future leaders, while calling for maximum cooperation from all members to strengthen the Association.
Performing the task of dissolving the outgoing Executives, Hajia Aishatu Sani Alhassan, Director of School Services, described the Congress as a significant milestone in leadership transition. She commended the past Executives for their dedication to raising education standards and urged the new leaders, drawn from across the Boards and Agencies of the Education Secretariat, to discharge their duties with humility, integrity, and commitment.
In his acceptance speech after the oath of office, the new President, Dr. Jiya Umar Mohammed, expressed gratitude to all members for finding him worthy to serve. He pledged to lead with transparency, inclusiveness, commitment, and a listening ear, promising to uplift ANCOPSS as a beacon of professional excellence. He will be supported by 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, Hauwa Aliyu as Financial Secretary as well as ex- officios among others.
The Congress climaxed with the unveiling of the ANCOPSS Press Clips Publication, presentation of awards to outstanding members and the Education Secretariat Management, as well as health talks for principals.