By Gabriella Ogbu
In a major effort to revitalize Kano’s deteriorating primary and secondary education system, Governor Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf has announced plans to hire 10,000 additional teachers and construct 300 laboratories across the state. This initiative aims to ensure that public schools in Kano surpass private institutions in quality, despite the administration’s free education policy. Governor Yusuf made this declaration while announcing a state of emergency in education during a speech at the Open Arena, Kano Government House.
Addressing a gathering that included his mentor, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, the National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Governor Yusuf highlighted the complex issues facing the education sector before his tenure began nearly a year ago. “In many of our schools, we faced a severe shortage of qualified teachers, inadequate training programs, and a lack of basic amenities like clean water and sanitation,” he stated. These challenges, compounded by socioeconomic difficulties, made education nearly impossible for many students.
Governor Yusuf revealed plans to construct 300 cutting-edge laboratories in 100 schools statewide, providing students with practical scientific experience and fostering an environment of experimentation and discovery essential for future success. Additionally, he announced the construction of 1,000 classrooms to alleviate overcrowding in schools.
In line with his vision to transform teachers into compassionate educators, Governor Yusuf has also committed to hiring 10,000 teachers who will undergo continuous training. Contractors handling abandoned projects in tertiary institutions have been instructed to resume work immediately. The governor pledged to hire at least 1,000 academic and non-academic staff members to enhance research and learning in state-owned tertiary institutions.
Emphasizing the significance of infrastructural investments, Governor Yusuf stated, “We will make infrastructural investments to guarantee that every school has enough classrooms for instruction and learning. We will also prioritize teacher welfare and training, recognizing their critical role in shaping the minds of tomorrow.”
During his speech, Governor Yusuf revealed that upon taking office on May 29, 2023, his administration discovered that 4.7 million students were seated on unfinished floors in elementary schools across the state. Supported by the National Union of Teachers (NUT), the state government declared a state of emergency in education to address these dire conditions.
The governor condemned the previous administration’s neglect, which left over 400 schools with only one teacher for all courses and students. He criticized the destruction of school property to make way for commercial ventures, calling it a direct challenge to public education and shared values.
Governor Yusuf concluded his speech with a commitment to addressing the state’s high rate of out-of-school youth, emphasizing the urgent need for action. “The educational system in our country used to be a source of hope and opportunity for young people. Today, it is shrouded in neglect and deterioration. We must adopt drastic but feasible actions to improve our educational system,” he stated. The governor was joined by dignitaries including Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso and former Cross River state governor Donald Duke.
