The Kaduna State Government has launched a comprehensive initiative to improve basic education across the state's 23 local government areas. The inauguration ceremony, held at Sultan Bello Primary School in Kaduna North Local Government Area, was performed by Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe on behalf of Governor Uba Sani. This initiative is part of Sani's human capital development agenda, focusing on providing essential infrastructure and educational interventions to enhance the learning experience.
Governor Uba Sani emphasized the significance of basic education, highlighting that it lays the foundation for reading, writing, numeracy, reasoning, and social interaction. He noted that a weak foundation at the primary school level could undermine a child's subsequent learning. The governor's administration has prioritized investment in basic education, viewing it as an investment in the future rather than mere expenditure on infrastructure.
As part of the initiative, the Kaduna State Government has constructed or rehabilitated 3,267 classrooms and built 2,232 toilet facilities to promote dignity and better hygiene, particularly for girls. Additionally, 180 hand-pump boreholes have been provided to bring clean water closer to pupils and teachers, creating healthier school environments. These interventions aim to address critical infrastructure gaps and improve the overall learning environment.
The governor's administration has also provided 87 science laboratories and 29 computer centers to equip pupils with the knowledge and skills required in a world driven by science, technology, and innovation. Furthermore, 81,540 sets of furniture have been supplied to ensure that pupils no longer have to sit on bare floors while learning. These facilities are expected to enhance the quality of education and prepare students for future challenges.
In addition to infrastructure development, the administration has distributed 545,748 teaching and learning materials covering literacy, numeracy, science, and other core subjects. This effort aims to support teachers and enhance the learning experience for pupils. The governor disclosed that 33,137 teachers, head teachers, and School Support Officers have received training in computer skills, classroom management, literacy, numeracy, and school management.
The Commissioner for Education, Abubakar Sambo, highlighted the government's commitment to recognizing and rewarding outstanding educators. The state has instituted an annual Kaduna Best Teacher of the Year Award to acknowledge exceptional teaching. Sambo also announced that the Sani administration has approved a review of the minimum wage for primary school teachers from N38,000 to N72,000 and resolved the long-standing NUT Endwell Scheme dispute by releasing N548m to retired teachers.
The Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board has distributed 545,748 teaching and learning materials across schools, along with 1.1 million additional materials, 18 smart boards, 55 motorcycles, and three golf carts. These resources are part of the latest intervention aimed at supporting digital learning and enhancing quality assurance. The Executive Chairman of the board, Mubarak Mohammed, emphasized the importance of monitoring and evaluating the impact of these interventions to ensure effective improvement in education.
Key points
- The Kaduna State Government has invested in basic education infrastructure, including 3,267 classrooms and 2,232 toilet facilities.
- The administration has distributed 545,748 teaching and learning materials to support pupils and teachers.
- The government has approved a review of the minimum wage for primary school teachers from N38,000 to N72,000.
