Katsina State commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hon. Zanab Musawa, has admitted that despite ongoing reforms, the state’s education sector still grapples with poor infrastructure, acute teacher shortages and the growing number of out-of-school children.
At the inauguration of the Education Sector Coordination Committee, Musawa said although over 200 schools and model secondary schools had been built in the state, many rural communities remain neglected.
She lamented that in several schools, more than 100 pupils are packed into a single classroom with limited desks and learning materials, a situation she said undermines the quality of learning.
Musawa disclosed that the government has recruited over 7,000 teachers and introduced continuous Mathematics, English, and Science training. However, she admitted that these measures are still inadequate.
“Even with fresh recruitment, the shortage of qualified teachers remains a critical challenge, particularly in rural areas,” she said.
The commissioner further identified poverty, insecurity, and socio-cultural practices, especially those hindering girls’ education as major drivers of the out-of-school crisis in Katsina.
According to her, these barriers continue to prevent the state from meeting its education targets.
To tackle the challenges, Musawa revealed that the state government, in partnership with UNICEF, Save the Children, and other stakeholders, is implementing initiatives such as conditional cash transfers, digital literacy programmes, child-friendly learning facilities, and mentorship for girls.
She added that an Education Trust Fund is being established to guarantee sustainability, while new accountability measures, including leadership competency tests for principals and regular school monitoring are being rolled out.
Reiterating the importance of education, Musawa stressed: “The future of Katsina depends on the investment we make today in our children.”
She called on teachers, parents, traditional rulers, and community leaders to support the government’s efforts in transforming the sector.
Earlier, UNICEF education manager, Michael Banda, highlighted the importance of the newly inaugurated committee, noting that it will coordinate work plans, monitor progress, fill gaps, and provide timely responses to challenges in the education sector.
