The Kaduna State Government, under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani, has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the education sector. The Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, stated that the administration aims to expand access to quality education, reposition the sector, and equip young people with the necessary knowledge, skills, and character to build productive lives. This vision was shared 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. She noted that education begins in the home, is strengthened in the classroom, and is reinforced by the community. The Deputy Governor stressed that this collective approach is crucial in shaping the future of Kaduna's children. The Community Engagement aimed to bring together stakeholders to discuss ways to improve the education sector.
The Deputy Governor highlighted the Governor Uba Sani administration's reforms in the education sector, which are changing the experience of children in classrooms. The Kaduna State Government is strengthening quality assurance across all 23 Local Government Areas, ensuring 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 reach more schools and identify problems earlier.
The administration has introduced several initiatives to protect the integrity of the education system. These include the introduction of hybrid CBT for the Junior Secondary Certificate Examination, QR-coded certificates, and stronger examination monitoring. According to Dr. Balarabe, the administration has supported over 800,000 students in Junior Secondary School and Senior Secondary School examinations since 2023, demonstrating its commitment to investing in Kaduna's children.
The 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 has transformed 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 various aspects of school assessment and examination monitoring. 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 DG also mentioned that 50 motorcycles have been provided to field officers across the 23 Local Government Areas to enhance their reach.
The Kaduna State Government's efforts to improve the education sector have been multifaceted. With a focus on quality assurance, digitalization, and community engagement, the administration aims to create a more effective and efficient education system. By investing in education, the government hopes to equip young people with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute to the state's development. Key initiatives include the introduction of hybrid CBT, QR-coded certificates, and increased support for students in Junior Secondary School and Senior Secondary School examinations.
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 the education system.
- The administration has supported over 800,000 students in Junior Secondary School and Senior Secondary School examinations since 2023.
- The government has provided 50 motorcycles to field officers across the 23 Local Government Areas to enhance their reach and effectiveness in monitoring schools.
