A significant gathering of government officials, entertainment industry leaders, and education stakeholders took place at Abuja’s State House Banquet Hall for the Accelerated Senior Secondary Education Program (ASSEP) Meet and Greet.
This initiative, a collaboration between the Office of the Vice President and the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC), aims to leverage the influence of actors, musicians, and digital creators to drive technology-based education reforms.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice President, Deputy Chief of Staff Sen. Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia reiterated the administration’s strong commitment to education, particularly in the Northeast. “Through ASSEP, we are committed to bridging learning gaps with digital tools, virtual reality (VR), and teacher training, ensuring students in conflict-prone and underserved areas receive quality education,” he affirmed.
A major highlight of the event was the endorsement of ASSEP by prominent entertainment industry figures such as Rahama Sadau, Umar Gombe, Nazifi Asnanic, Umar M. Shareef, and Hannatu Bashir. Recognizing the power of their platforms, they pledged to advocate for education reform through storytelling and social media engagement.
The program featured an in-depth presentation on ASSEP’s objectives, which include expanding access to digital learning, enhancing teacher training, and incorporating STEM, vocational, and agricultural education into the curriculum. Discussions emphasized the importance of policy integration, teacher welfare, and nationwide expansion, with stakeholders calling for increased investment in digital infrastructure for public schools.
To sustain momentum, the government announced plans to formally appoint ASSEP ambassadors, extend the program to additional states, and strengthen collaborations with private sector partners. As the event concluded, speakers reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to transforming education through innovation and strategic partnerships, ensuring that no student is left behind in the digital age.
Among the distinguished government officials in attendance were Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (OVP) Sen. Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia; Special Adviser to the President, General Duties (OVP), Dr. Aliyu Modibbo; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital Media and Emergency Management (OVP), Ishaq Ahmed Ningi; Personal Assistant to the President (OVP) on Broadcast Media, Rahma Abdulmajid; Personal Assistant to the President (OVP) on Northeast Affairs, Mahmud Muhammad; Special Assistant, SSAP RDP, Nafia Abdullahi; and Technical Assistant, ASSEP, Sikiru Olawoyin.
Representing the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC) was Joshua Ibrahim Sangari, Secretary of the Project Implementation Team.
The entertainment sector was well represented by industry figures including Jadda Garbo, Rahama Sadau, Umar Gombe, Amina Adamu, Fauziyya D. Sulaiman, Aliyu Dahiru A., Nasir Salisu Zango, Nazifi Asnanic, Umar M. Shareef, Hannatu Bashir, Lawali Ahmad, Sadiq Zazzabi, and Usman Kabara. Additionally, Muhammad Hausa-Fulani and Ali Jita participated virtually.
The event successfully fostered collaboration between government and entertainment industry stakeholders, laying the foundation for a stronger push toward digital education and nationwide educational transformation.
