Kano Declares State of Emergency on Education, Hires 5,000 New Teachers
Jerry Adesewo
In a decisive move to revitalise the education sector, the Kano State Government has declared a state of emergency on education and announced the employment of 5,000 new teachers into the state civil service. Governor Abba Yusuf made this announcement on Saturday in Kano, emphasising the urgent need for quality personnel to manage public schools and improve educational standards.
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Governor Yusuf highlighted the critical state of the education sector in Kano, revealing that over 4.7 million pupils are currently forced to sit on bare floors to learn, and 400 schools have only one teacher for all classes and subjects. He condemned the previous administration for closing down schools and converting vandalised ones into commercial premises, further exacerbating the crisis.
“The declaration of a state of emergency in education is a bold step towards addressing the challenges facing the sector,” Yusuf stated. He pledged to ensure the total rehabilitation of public schools, including the provision of furniture and essential learning materials. “The government’s commitment to providing basic learning materials and infrastructure will go a long way in improving the quality of education in the state.”
Governor Yusuf stressed that the era of pupils receiving lectures under harsh conditions is over. He committed to creating a conducive learning environment for every child in the state, addressing issues such as the shortage of qualified teachers, outdated learning equipment, and lack of clean water and sanitation in many schools.
He criticised the previous administration for neglecting the education sector and profiting from school lands rather than investing in the future of the state’s children. “Teachers struggle with outdated and insufficient basic learning equipment, while clean water and sanitation are lacking in many schools,” he said.
Governor Yusuf’s administration aims to tackle these multifaceted problems head-on, with a focus on improving teacher training programs and addressing the socio-economic challenges faced by students. “It’s time for investment in public education and a commitment to providing a quality learning environment for all,” Yusuf declared.
This bold initiative marks a significant step towards reforming Kano’s education system and ensuring that every child has access to quality education in a conducive environment.