Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, has stated that Governor Uba Sani's administration is committed to transforming the education sector in the state. The Deputy Governor made this known at a Community Engagement organized by the Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority. Dr. Balarabe emphasized that education is a shared responsibility involving government, teachers, school managers, parents, learners, communities, and all stakeholders.
According to Dr. Balarabe, the Governor Uba Sani administration's reforms in the education sector are changing the experience of a child in a classroom. The state government is strengthening quality assurance across all 23 Local Government Areas to ensure that schools in remote communities receive the same attention to standards as those in the state capital. This includes providing Education Quality Assurance Officers with motorcycles and operational support to enable them to reach more schools.
The Deputy Governor also highlighted the introduction of hybrid CBT for the Junior Secondary Certificate Examination, QR-coded certificates, and stronger examination monitoring as part of Kaduna's determination to protect the integrity of its education system. Since 2023, the administration has supported over 800,000 students in Junior Secondary School and Senior Secondary School examinations, demonstrating its commitment to investing in the education of Kaduna children.
Director General of Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority, Prof Abubakar Usman Zaria, disclosed that the present administration has overhauled the concept of quality assurance. The Authority is transforming quality assurance from fault-finding to value creation, from paper to data, and from inspection to continuous improvement. Prof Zaria added that the Authority is moving school monitoring from paper-based reporting to digital, real-time evidence through the EduMonitor App.
Prof Zaria further explained that the Authority has developed standardized and automated over 20 quality assurance tools, covering examination clearance and candidate affiliation, school categorization, proposed school site assessment, book assessment, private-school licensing, annual quality assurance reporting, and examination-material tracking. Kaduna State's BECE certificates, Certificates of Consent, and annual private-school operating licences now carry QR codes, strengthening verification and protection against fraud and forgery.
The Director General also mentioned that 50 motorcycles have been provided to field officers across the 23 Local Government Areas to enhance digital reporting. Monthly operational and monitoring allowances are being provided, alongside robust support that expands reach, including hard-to-reach communities. This support aims to ensure that quality assurance is sustained every year, not just during licence renewal.
The Community Engagement organized by the Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority aims to bring together stakeholders to shape the future of education in the state. The event highlights the importance of collaboration and collective responsibility in achieving the state's education goals. By working together, the state government, teachers, school managers, parents, learners, and communities can ensure that Kaduna children receive quality education and are equipped to build productive and fulfilling lives.
Key points
- The Kaduna State government has introduced hybrid CBT for the Junior Secondary Certificate Examination and QR-coded certificates to protect the integrity of its education system.
- The state government has provided 50 motorcycles to field officers to enhance digital reporting and monitoring of schools.
- Over 800,000 students have been supported in Junior Secondary School and Senior Secondary School examinations since 2023.
