Governor Yusuf takes bold steps: State of Emergency declared on Education in Kano
By MUSA ABDULLAHI SUFI
On June 8th, 2024, His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Executive Governor of Kano State, delivered a poignant and urgent speech at the Kano Government House, marking the declaration of a state of emergency on education in Kano State. The event pointed the critical challenges facing the education sector and outlined comprehensive measures to address these issues.
Governor Yusuf began by highlighting the dire state of the education sector, emphasizing the need for radical yet practical solutions. “Education is our number one priority,” he declared, noting that it is the greatest asset for any society. The Governor painted a grim picture of the current educational landscape, citing the alarming number of out-of-school children—989,234— and the dilapidated state of school infrastructure.
“Our schools, which should be sanctuaries of knowledge, discipline, and growth, are in a deplorable state,” Governor Yusuf lamented. He described the widespread neglect, with roofs caving in, walls crumbling, and classrooms devoid of basic learning materials. The governor further alleged that the previous administration’s mismanagement, including the conversion of school lands into private business premises, has exacerbated these problems.
Governor Yusuf announced several bold initiatives to address these challenges. Key among them is the unprecedented allocation of 29.95% of the 2024 budget to education, aimed at tackling underfunding. He also revealed plans to restore upkeep and overhead funds for all secondary schools, ensuring they can maintain infrastructure and procure essential materials.
The Governor unveiled a series of infrastructure projects, including the construction of 1,000 new classrooms to reduce congestion and the establishment of 300 state-of-the-art laboratories in 100 schools. These measures are intended to provide students with hands-on experience in scientific inquiry and foster a culture of innovation.
In addition to infrastructure improvements, Governor Yusuf emphasized the importance of teacher training and welfare. He announced the hiring of 10,000 new teachers and the regular training of existing staff to ensure every teacher becomes a caring educator. Furthermore, he pledged to re-open all previously closed boarding schools within the next academic year, expanding access to quality education for students from remote areas.
Governor Yusuf also detailed efforts to ensure every child is enrolled in school. The government plans to build 28,264 classrooms over the next three years to accommodate the out-of-school children. To support students’ engagement, the administration will provide one meal per day in primary schools and distribute free uniforms, textbooks, and other learning materials.
The Governor expressed gratitude to various stakeholders and development partners, including the United Nations, World Bank, UNICEF, and others, for their support in revitalizing the education sector. He called on parents, communities, and other stakeholders to join hands in this collective effort.
In closing, Governor Yusuf reiterated the administration’s commitment to transforming the education system. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” he quoted Nelson Mandela, urging all to work together to unleash this weapon for the betterment of Kano State.
This declaration marks a significant step towards ensuring that every child in Kano State has access to quality education, laying a strong foundation for the future prosperity and development of the state.
