By Ibrrahim Muhammad
The Gifted and Talented examination was successfully held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Federal Government Girls College Gusau (FGGC Gusau). This initiative, organized by the Zamfara State Universal Basic Education Board, under the leadership of professor Nasir Garba Anka Makaman Sokoto south, is aimed at identifying exceptional students who demonstrate outstanding capabilities across various subjects.
In an unprecedented move to enhance educational opportunities for the state’s brightest students, 140 candidates participated in the examination, which was specifically designed to select the best among them for admission into Junior Secondary School (JSS 1) at the School for the Gifted Children, Federal Government Academy in Suleja, Niger State. This academy stands out as Nigeria’s unique institution dedicated to nurturing gifted children.
The selection process for the candidates who took the Gifted and Talented examination was rigorous. Students were initially screened in their respective Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs), testing their knowledge across nine subjects. Only the most promising candidates were invited to the examination, reflecting the commitment to fostering academic excellence within the state.
In addition to the Gifted and Talented exam, 640 candidates were selected from 14 LGEAs across Zamfara State to participate in the upcoming 2025 National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE), scheduled for June 14, 2025. This examination aims to admit the best male and female candidates into Junior Secondary Schools of the Federal Government Colleges (FGGCs and FGCs) across the country.
After the Gifted and Talented examination, successful candidates were camped at the training center at Muhammad Kabir Dan Baba Women and Youth Development Center, Old Prison Yard, Gusau, where they underwent intensive preparatory training in key subjects. This unique program, a first of its kind since the establishment of Zamfara State, was designed to equip students not only with academic knowledge but also with the skills necessary for their future academic endeavors.
“This initiative demonstrates our commitment to improving educational standards and providing equitable access to quality education for the gifted and talented youth of Zamfara State,” said Professor Nasir Garba Anka, Makaman Sokoto South and the head of the Universal Basic Education Board. “We believe that by investing in our children’s future, we are investing in the future of our state and our nation.”
As Zamfara State continues to prioritize educational reforms and opportunities for its youth, the Gifted and Talented program showcases a significant step towards harnessing the potential of its students. The board encourages parents and guardians to support their children’s educational journeys as they prepare for these important examinations.
The Gifted and Talented examination and the subsequent training for the NCEE signify an important milestone in Zamfara State’s educational landscape, demonstrating a dedication to cultivating a new generation of leaders and innovators.
This was contain in a press release sign by
IBRAHIM MUSA MAIZARE
PRO ZSUBEB
