Education

Kano parents laud government’s effort, call for more investment in Education

Published

12 months ago

November 21, 2024

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Some parents and stakeholders in Kano State have expressed mixed feelings of appreciation and concern regarding the state government’s efforts to improve the education sector.

While acknowledging some progress made in recent years, they are calling for greater attention and investment in the sector to address ongoing challenges that continue to affect the quality of education in the state.

The parents made the call on Wednesday while interacting with newsmen who were on an assessment tour of projects executed by the state Ministry of Education under the State of Emergency declared in the state’s education sector.

The stakeholders commended the state government’s initiatives, particularly the increased construction of new classrooms, the distribution of learning materials, and the implementation of free education policies for primary and secondary schools.

These efforts, they said, have contributed to an increase in student enrollment and have provided some relief to families who previously struggled with school fees.

The headmaster of Dawakin Tofa Model Primary School, in Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area, Sabi’u Idris commended the State Government for providing furniture, teaching materials water and toilet facilities in the school.

He also lamented the absence of security in the school, saying that with its 1,212 students and 31 teachers the school has no perimeter fence and no security guards.

“The school is too open and exposed for hoodlums who take advantage and steal its valuables, including ceiling fans,” he said.

Similarly, the Headmaster of Sabon Layi Primary School, Bichi in Bichi Local Government Area, Auwal Baduku, also decried the absence of furniture which he was affecting the pupils.

“The school lacks furniture as most of the 1,764 pupils receive lessons on bare floor and use only four toilets shared between the teachers and the pupils.

“We are also facing acute shortage of teachers as the only 39 teaching staff which consist of permanent and temporary handle 18 classrooms on the basis of one teacher per three classroom,” he explained.

Baduku then appealed to the State Government to include the school in its interventions under the State of Emergency in the education sector.

Another Headmaster of Hotoro South Special Primary School in Nasarawa Local Government Area, Habibu Sani, also asked for the general renovation of the school in order to make it more conducive for teaching and learning.

He also urged the State Government to provide furniture for the 1,432 pupils of the school most of whom, he said, are receiving lessons on bare floor.

“As you can see, most of the classrooms of this school don’t have desks and chairs which compels the pupils to receive their lessons on the floor,” he said.

Sani appealed to the government to include the school in its interventions under the ongoing State of Emergency it declared in the education sector.

A parent, Latifa Bichi,commended the government for intervening in the education sector but called for provision of uniforms, furniture, instructional materials.

Another parent, Abdulrahaman Idris,said the shortage of teachers in public schools has been affecting the quality of education.

He called on the government to provide furniture for the pupils, to enable them to receive their lessons comfortably.

An educationist, Musa Aliyu, urge the government at levels to save the education sector from total collapse.

He also called on individuals and corporate organizations to partner with the government to revive the education sector.

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Education

FG to provide starter packs for TVET graduates — Minister

Published

1 day ago

November 10, 2025

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Federal Government says it will provide starter packs to graduates of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes as part of efforts to promote skills development and enhance youth employability.

The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad disclosed this on Monday during an inspection visit to Bayero University, Kano (BUK), where she assessed ongoing vocational training initiatives supported by the ministry.

She said the initiative was designed to ensure that beneficiaries of the TVET programme become self-reliant, job creators and active contributors to the nation’s economic growth.

According to her, the provision of starter packs will complement the Federal Government’s drive to reduce unemployment and address the persistent skills gap in the country.

“The administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to strengthening technical and vocational education because it remains a critical pathway to empowering young Nigerians.

“Providing starter packs will enable our youths to put their training into practical use immediately,” she said.

The Minister also commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the programme, which covers about 25 vocational trades, including carpentry, leather works, tailoring, ICT skills, cosmetology, welding, solar installation and other technical areas.

She urged beneficiaries to take full advantage of the initiative, adding that the programme aligns with the administration’s commitment to reducing youth unemployment, promoting self-sufficiency and driving national development.

Ahmad commended BUK for its commitment to implementing the programme, noting that the ministry would continue to partner institutions that promote innovation, productivity and entrepreneurship.

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Haruna Musa, said the programme was timely as the country continued to grapple with low employability, reduced productivity and slow economic growth due to inadequate skills among its youth population.

Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Ahmad Tsauni, said the programme was designed to equip young Nigerians with practical and entrepreneurial skills that would enhance job creation, innovation and national development.

Musa encouraged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity by learning diligently and transforming themselves into agents of positive change in their communities.

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Education

NUC Assesses FCE (T) Bichi for Take-off of Dual Mandate Degree Programmes

Published

3 weeks ago

October 23, 2025

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The Federal College of Education (Technical), Bichi, has hosted a ten-member panel from the National Universities Commission (NUC) as part of the assessment process for the implementation of the Federal Government’s Dual Mandate Policy.

The policy empowers Colleges of Education to offer both Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and Degree programmes concurrently.

Speaking at the event held on Monday, the Provost of the College, Dr. Bashir Sabo Abubakar, expressed delight over the delegation’s visit and lauded the Federal Government for signing the dual mandate policy into law.

Abubakar described the policy as a landmark reform in Nigeria’s teacher education system and a major step toward improving access to tertiary education.

He reaffirmed the College’s commitment to the success of the national assignment, noting that FCE (T), Bichi currently runs 16 degree programmes in affiliation with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, and the University of Jos.

According to him, the College has presented all 16 existing degree programmes along with seven additional ones—making a total of 23—for the NUC’s resource verification exercise.

The Provost appealed to the NUC to support the College in actualising the initiative, assuring the panel of management’s dedication to meeting all required standards for the commencement of full-fledged degree programmes.

Responding, the leader of the NUC team, Dr. Abubakar Muhammad Girei, who is also the Director of Academic Programmes at the Commission, said the visit was aimed at assessing the institution’s human and material resources ahead of the take-off of the dual mandate.

He explained that the verification exercise was part of efforts to ensure quality assurance in teacher education and to maintain uniform standards across institutions implementing the policy.

During the exit briefing, Dr. Girei commended the College management for its high level of preparedness and pledged the Commission’s continued support for the implementation process.

In a statement, the Director of Information and Public Relations of the College, Mrs. Fatima Hassan Ahmad, quoted the Provost as assuring the visiting team of the College’s full compliance with NUC’s regulations and standards.

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Education

Prof. Bunkure Seeks Staff Support to Revitalize Federal University of Education, Zaria

Published

3 weeks ago

October 18, 2025

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The newly appointed Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Education, Zaria, Professor Isa Yahaya Bunkure, has called on both academic and non-academic staff to offer their full support as he embarks on a mission to reposition the university for excellence.

Speaking during his inaugural address at the university campus, Prof. Bunkure expressed deep appreciation for the warm reception he received upon assuming office, describing it as overwhelming and a reflection of the unity and optimism that exists within the institution.

“I am truly honored by the trust and confidence placed in me by this great community,” he stated. “I assure you that I will not betray this trust. Together, we will elevate this university to greater heights.”

Highlighting his vision for the institution, Prof. Bunkure revealed that he has developed a series of strategic plans aimed at improving the quality of teaching and learning across all faculties.

A key part of his administration’s agenda, he said, is ensuring the university continues to produce highly competent and qualified teachers capable of transforming Nigeria’s education sector.

In addressing some pressing concerns of students and alumni, Prof. Bunkure noted that the issue of students who have completed their Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) program but have not received their certificates will be given prompt attention.

He assured that a comprehensive audit and review process will be carried out to resolve such cases.

“From now on, any student who successfully completes their examinations and fulfills all institutional requirements will receive their results and certificates without unnecessary delays,” he added.

On the matter of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and other scholarship initiatives introduced by the Federal Government, Prof. Bunkure pledged that the university administration will ensure transparency and efficiency in the disbursement of such funds.

“We will not hesitate to facilitate the immediate release of funds to all eligible students once the federal government has made the necessary provisions. No student will be left behind due to financial constraints,” he affirmed.

Concluding his remarks, the Vice Chancellor appealed to all staff members to remain committed and united in pursuit of the university’s goals.

“This journey requires the dedication and cooperation of everyone. I call upon both teaching and non-teaching staff to join me in this mission of transformation. Together, we can build a university that is not only respected nationally but admired internationally,” he said.

The address was met with applause and optimism, as many within the university community expressed confidence in Prof. Bunkure’s leadership and vision.