Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa, the Commissioner of Education in Kano State, has highlighted the dire conditions facing the education sector in the state. He revealed that more than four million students in Kano are sitting on bare floors due to inadequate infrastructure, and around 400 schools have only one teacher each.
During a meeting with employees from five agencies under the Ministry of Education at Rumfa College in Kano, Doguwa expressed his concern over these conditions, calling them “pathetic.”
The Commissioner explained that this information was the result of a thorough investigation. He emphasized the state’s determination to make significant improvements in both primary and secondary education.
To address the issue, Doguwa outlined measures being taken. He noted that many competent staff in the Zonal Offices were not contributing effectively to education and announced a plan to ensure that no Zonal office under any agency should have more than 22 staff. Excess staff will be reposted to classrooms based on merit and profession.
Doguwa expressed his distress over the fact that more than 400 schools in Kano North have only one teacher each. He further emphasized the state government’s commitment to education, as 49% of the 2023 budget allocation has been earmarked for the sector.
He also discussed recent financial commitments made by the administration, including over 1.3 billion naira to settle examination fees for 57,000 students who took NECO, WEAC, and NBAIS exams.
Addressing issues related to school leadership roles, Doguwa stated that the ministry will issue a circular banning the use of the term “Principal Director.” Instead, individuals will hold the title of either Principal or Director.
The Commissioner also touched on the government’s efforts to regulate private schools, including shifting registration to an online platform and preventing public school teachers from being assigned to private schools.
He assured staff members that the government is dedicated to enhancing their working conditions and urged them to use their experience to contribute to the sector’s success.
In closing, Alh. Habib Hassan El-Yakub, the Special Adviser to the Governor on vocational and education, called on affluent individuals in the state to support the administration’s education initiatives.
The meeting aimed to address various concerns in the education sector and enhance the system’s quality. Dr. Kabiru Ado Zakirai, the Executive Secretary of Kano State Senior Secondary Schools Management Board, urged staff members to collaborate in implementing the new policies introduced by the administration to rejuvenate the sector.
Credit: Vanguard
