Governor Set to Revamp Education in Kano, Employs 10,000 Teachers, Builds 300 Labs

In a bid to revitalize primary and secondary education in Kano, Governor Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf has announced that the state government will be hiring 10,000 additional teachers and the construction of 300 new laboratories across the state.

In a determined effort to revitalize primary and secondary education in Kano, Governor Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf has announced the hiring of 10,000 additional teachers and the construction of 300 new laboratories across the state.

Governor Yusuf, who declared a State-of-Emergency on education in Kano on Saturday, emphasized his ambition to elevate public schools to a standard surpassing that of private schools, even under the free-education policy of his administration.

The announcement was made at a well-attended ceremony at the Open Arena, Kano Government House, featuring dignitaries from around the world, including his mentor and former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.

Addressing Educational Challenges

Governor Yusuf highlighted the multifaceted problems in the education sector he inherited about a year ago. These included a severe shortage of qualified teachers, inadequate teacher training programs, and a lack of basic amenities such as clean water and sanitation in many schools.

“We faced a severe shortage of qualified teachers, inadequate teacher training programs, and a lack of basic amenities such as clean water and sanitation in many of our schools. These issues, coupled with the socio-economic challenges that many of our students face, create an environment where education is not just difficult but nearly impossible,” Yusuf stated.

New Facilities and Infrastructure

The governor announced plans to build 300 state-of-the-art laboratories in 100 schools across the state to provide students with hands-on scientific experience, fostering a culture of experimentation and discovery essential for their future success. Additionally, 1,000 new classrooms will be constructed within the next academic session to alleviate overcrowding.

“All contractors handling inherited abandoned projects in our tertiary institutions have been directed to resume work immediately,” Yusuf added. He also mentioned the hiring of 10,000 teachers who will undergo periodic training to enhance their teaching skills.

Enhancing Tertiary Education

In state-owned tertiary institutions, Governor Yusuf promised to employ at least 1,000 academic and non-academic staff to bolster learning and research. “This declaration is not just symbolic; it signifies a commitment to overhaul our education system from the ground up. We will invest in infrastructure, ensuring that every school has adequate classrooms conducive to teaching and learning. We will also prioritize teacher training and welfare, recognizing their pivotal role in shaping the minds of tomorrow,” he emphasized.

Confronting Out-of-School Children

Governor Yusuf revealed that upon taking office, his administration discovered over 4.7 million pupils sitting on bare floors in primary schools. “Above 4.7 million pupils are sitting on bare floors to take lessons, while about 400 schools have only one teacher for all classes and subjects,” he said. He condemned the previous administration for converting school lands into private business premises, calling for an immediate halt to such practices.

The governor also addressed the issue of out-of-school children, noting that the current number stands at 989,234. “It is with a heavy heart that I bring forth this discourse. The challenges we face in the education sector are as formidable as they are alarming, and the urgency with which we must act is undeniable,” he said.

Commitment to Educational Reform

Governor Yusuf’s ambitious plans underscore his administration’s commitment to making education a top priority. “Education is not only a public good but also the greatest asset that any people can bequeath to its upcoming generation. No people can grow beyond the quality and standard of their education system. We must take radical but practical measures to reposition education in our state,” he concluded.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, NEWS NIGERIA