Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has embarked on a mission to boost basic education in the state. He recently commissioned Basic Education Schools Infrastructure and Educational Interventions across the 23 local governments of Kaduna State. This initiative is part of his Human Capital Development vision. The commissioning ceremony took place at Sultan Bello Primary School in Kaduna North local government, with the Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, representing Governor Uba Sani.
Governor Uba Sani emphasized the significance of basic education, stating that primary education lays the foundation for a child's future. He noted that it is at this level that a child learns to read, write, count, reason, and relate with others. The governor also highlighted the importance of discipline, curiosity, and confidence, which begin at the primary school level. He stressed that a weak foundation can make the structure of learning fragile.
The governor's administration has made significant investments in basic education, treating it as an investment in the future rather than just expenditure on infrastructure. Some of the achievements include the construction or rehabilitation of 3,267 classrooms and the building of 2,232 toilet facilities. Additionally, 180 hand-pump boreholes have been sunk to provide clean water for pupils and teachers, creating healthier school environments.
Governor Uba Sani's administration has also focused on providing essential facilities and equipment for effective learning. The government has built 87 science laboratories and provided 29 computer centers to equip students with the knowledge and skills required in a changing world. Furthermore, 81,540 sets of furniture have been supplied to ensure that children do not have to sit on bare floors while learning.
The governor's administration has not only improved infrastructure but also aimed to bring more children into the education system. Four state-of-the-art Bilingual Education Schools have been delivered in partnership with UBEC and the Islamic Development Bank in Igabi, Zaria, Kubau, and Giwa. These schools have a capacity to cater to 7,680 learners, particularly children who are out of school.
The government has also distributed 545,748 teaching and learning materials covering literacy, numeracy, science, and other core subjects. Moreover, 33,137 teachers, head teachers, and School Support Officers have received training in areas such as computer skills, classroom management, and school management. The Commissioner of Education, Prof Abubakar Sani Sambo, disclosed that the state has instituted an annual Kaduna Best Teacher of the Year Award to recognize educators who excel in their duties.
The Kaduna State government has taken additional steps to improve the welfare of teachers and education sector workers. The governor has approved a review of the minimum wage for primary school teachers from N38,000 to N72,000. The government has also resolved the long-outstanding NUT Endwell Scheme dispute, releasing N548,000,000 to retired teachers. Furthermore, the service period for teaching workforce has been extended from 35 to 40 years, and the retirement age from 60 to 65.
Key points
- Governor Uba Sani's administration has invested heavily in basic education infrastructure, including classrooms, toilet facilities, and science laboratories.
- The government has distributed teaching and learning materials and provided training for teachers to enhance the quality of education.
- The state has instituted an annual award to recognize outstanding educators and improved the welfare of teachers.
