Langtang North Local Government Area has taken a bold and unprecedented step in repositioning basic education, as Executive Chairman, Hon. Pirfa Tyem, honoured the LGA’s Best Teacher with a fully sponsored two-week pilgrimage to Israel and approved five motorcycles to enhance school supervision across rural communities.

The initiative, widely described by stakeholders as the first of its kind at the local government level in Plateau State, is already drawing commendation for setting a new benchmark in grassroots education reform.

The development unfolded during a strategic gathering of Directors of the Langtang North Local Education Authority (LEA), Council members and key stakeholders, a meeting that evolved into a strong declaration of intent for the future of education in the LGA.

Mr. Nanbel Nimlang, a classroom teacher from Mban, emerged as the overall Best Teacher after a rigorous, transparent and multi-stage assessment process initiated by the Chairman through the LEA.

Speaking at the gathering, the Education Secretary of Langtang North LEA, Mrs. Tabitha Wazhi, disclosed that an 11-member committee comprising representatives of the traditional council, former education secretaries and zonal education officers supervised the exercise to ensure credibility and fairness.

The competition commenced at the school level, progressed to the zonal stage involving 14 schools, and produced three finalists before a final selection was made. According to Mrs. Wazhi, the initiative has already sparked renewed dedication among teachers, improved punctuality, strengthened classroom delivery and restored healthy professional competition across schools in Langtang North.

She further acknowledged the Chairman’s sustained commitment to the sector, including improved welfare attention for teachers, provision of instructional materials, renovation of LEA offices and consistent backing of pupil-focused programmes.

In his remarks, Hon. Pirfa Tyem reaffirmed that education remains the most strategic investment for sustainable grassroots development.

He explained that the fully sponsored pilgrimage to Israel was not merely a reward, but a deliberate policy instrument to institutionalise excellence, inspire innovation in teaching and create a performance-driven culture within the basic education system.

Beyond rewarding excellence, the Chairman moved to strengthen oversight by approving five motorcycles for the Langtang North LEA to improve mobility for supervisory officers, particularly in hard-to-reach communities. The motorcycles were provided by the Langtang North Local Government Council under his leadership.

The formal presentation was symbolically performed by distinguished Plateau South leader and Senatorial aspirant, Napoleon Bali, whose presence reinforced the shared commitment of leaders across the zone toward educational advancement.

In his remarks, AVM Bali commended Hon. Tyem for what he described as a visionary and replicable initiative capable of transforming learning outcomes at the grassroots. He congratulated Mr. Nimlang and pledged to sponsor his Master’s degree programme, further strengthening the culture of continuous professional development.

Education stakeholders present noted that by introducing a structured, transparent and impactful teacher reward system, Langtang North has positioned itself as a model for other local governments seeking to improve standards through motivation and accountability.

Responding emotionally, Mr. Nanbel Nimlang expressed deep appreciation to the Chairman and the LEA for the recognition, stating that the honour would further inspire him to give his best to his pupils and the community.

Observers agree that this development goes beyond celebration, it signals a shift toward measurable performance, structured supervision and strategic leadership in basic education.

With motivated teachers, improved monitoring mechanisms and strong political will, Langtang North is not only rewarding excellence — it is redefining it.