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The Katsina State Government has launched a major education reform programme aimed at improving teaching and learning outcomes across the state. The initiative, which includes the training of 18,000 teachers and distribution of 20,000 digital tablets, was officially unveiled at the Local Government Service Commission in Katsina.
Deputy Governor Malam Faruq Lawal Jobe, who represented Governor Dikko Umar Radda at the ceremony, said the programme is part of the administration’s long-term plan to transform education in the state. According to him, the government is focusing on areas that directly impact learning quality, such as providing 30,000 school uniforms to less privileged children, supplying teaching aids for schools serving the blind and deaf, and improving security in schools through the installation of CCTV cameras in 130 institutions.
In addition, the government has distributed 70 motorcycles to school monitoring officers to enhance supervision, especially in rural areas. Jobe explained that these interventions are not just statistics but a deliberate strategy to prepare students for global competitiveness.
“These are not just statistics but a strategic investment in the future of our children. By equipping teachers with modern tools and the necessary training, we are aligning our educational system with global standards to prepare our students for 21st-century competitiveness,” Jobe said.
Zainab Musawa, the Katsina State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, described the initiative as a significant milestone in restoring the glory of education in the state. She praised the support of the World Bank, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), and other development partners, stressing that the state remains committed to continuous teacher empowerment and capacity building.
Binta State, the Project Coordinator of the Transforming Education System at State Levels (TESS) programme, explained that the scheme is being implemented in partnership with the Federal Government and the World Bank. She said that 90 master trainers, who had undergone intensive training, will oversee the step-down training for 18,000 teachers. Each teacher, she added, will receive a preloaded tablet containing lesson plans and other digital teaching resources to aid classroom delivery.
Rakiya Shehu, Chairperson of the Katsina State Teachers’ Association, welcomed the programme, urging teachers, parents, and community leaders to fully support it. She emphasised that for the initiative to succeed and make lasting impact, it must be sustained beyond political cycles.
She noted that the administration of Governor Radda has already established three model schools designed to serve as talent hubs, recruited more than 7,000 new teachers, and commenced renovation works in hundreds of schools across Katsina State.
The event attracted dignitaries from across the state. Present were Justice Musa Danladi, Chief Judge of Katsina State; Ummulkhairi Ahmed Bawa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education; Kabir Magaji, Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB); Salisu Mamman Kadandani, CEO of Continental Computers; senior government officials, security chiefs, and education stakeholders.
Observers say the education reforms could significantly improve teaching standards in Katsina if effectively implemented. By providing digital tools and resources, teachers are expected to deliver lessons more efficiently, while students will have improved access to modern learning techniques. However, challenges such as sustainability, power supply for digital devices, and ensuring consistent use of the tablets in classrooms may require additional attention.
Governor Radda’s administration has made education one of its top priorities since assuming office, and the scale of the initiative reflects a strong push towards addressing long-standing gaps in the state’s education system. With thousands of teachers trained and equipped with technology, the state is positioning itself to modernise education and improve student performance in the years ahead.
