Uba Sani gives basic education a boost, enhances human capital

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has undertaken significant measures to bolster basic education and enhance human capital across the state's 23 local governments. Speaking at the commissioning of various educational infrastructure projects at Sultan Bello Primary School in Kaduna North local government, Governor Sani highlighted the importance of laying strong educational foundations for children.

He emphasized that primary education is where critical skills such as reading, writing, counting, reasoning, and social interaction are developed, and that a weak foundation can compromise the overall learning experience.

During the commissioning event, Governor Sani unveiled a series of educational enhancements, including the construction or rehabilitation of 3,267 classrooms, the construction of 2,232 toilets to improve hygiene, particularly for girls, and the installation of 180 hand-pump boreholes to provide clean water for pupils and teachers.

He also announced the establishment of 87 science laboratories and 29 computer centers to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed in a rapidly evolving world driven by science, technology, and innovation.

In addition to physical infrastructure, Governor Sani underscored the importance of quality teaching and learning materials. He revealed that over 545,748 teaching and learning materials have been distributed to schools, covering subjects like literacy, numeracy, and science. Furthermore, 33,137 teachers, head teachers, and School Support Officers have received training in areas such as computer skills, classroom management, and literacy.

The Governor also lauded the state's initiative to reward exceptional teachers through the 'Kaduna Best Teacher of the Year Award' and the review of the minimum wage for primary school teachers, increasing it from N38,000 to N72,000.

The Commissioner of Education, Prof Abubakar Sani Sambo, emphasized the need for sustained excellence, noting that the state has instituted an annual award for the best teacher and approved a review of the minimum wage for primary school educators. He also highlighted the resolution of the long-standing NUT Endwell Scheme dispute, releasing N548,000,000.00 to retired teachers, and the extension of the service period for teachers from 35 to 40 years, with the retirement age increased from 60 to 65.

KADSUBEB's Executive Chairman, Mubarak Mohammed, pointed out that the commissioning event at Sultan Bello Primary School was merely the physical manifestation of the state-wide educational interventions. He revealed that KADSUBEB has distributed 545,748 teaching and learning materials across all schools, along with 18 smart boards, 55 motorcycles, and 3 golf wagons to enhance supervision, quality assurance, and accountability.

Mohammed stressed that providing resources alone is not enough; the system must ensure that these resources are effectively utilized and making a difference in the classroom.

Governor Uba Sani's efforts to strengthen basic education in Kaduna State demonstrate a comprehensive approach to human capital development, focusing on both infrastructure and the quality of teaching and learning.