Sardauna Foundation Advocates Unified Educational Reform To Rescue North

Practical and inclusive educational reform has been described as a key tool in tackling the persistent challenges hindering social, economic, and peaceful progress in Northern Nigeria.

This was emphasised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Sardauna Memorial Foundation during its 12th annual lecture titled “Delivering Equitable Access to Quality Basic Education in Northern Nigeria: A Time for Real Action,” held in Dutse, the capital of Jigawa State.

In his speech, the foundation’s chairman, board of trustees and former governor of Niger State, Alhaji Babangida Muazu, expressed concern over the region’s failure to sustain the enduring legacy of Sir Ahmadu Bello Sardauna, which was anchored on equitable access to quality education, unity, and cohesion.

He noted that it is now time for everyone in the region to learn from history and contribute their share toward liberating the region from its current social, economic, and security challenges.

In her presentation, the guest speaker, Prof. Rukayyatu Ahmad Rufai, a former Minister of Education, identified poor funding, unfriendly school environments, shortages of unqualified teachers, limited community participation, and a lack of cultural coherence in the curriculum as major factors retarding educational development.

She highlighted reports showing that Nigeria has over 18 million out-of-school children, with Northern Nigeria accounting for over 70% of this figure. She stressed that under these circumstances, it is very difficult for the region to achieve any meaningful development.

According to her, lack of access to quality education leaves many children vulnerable to radicalisation by harmful ideologies, social marginalisation, economic unproductivity, high risks of maternal mortality, hunger, and other related criminal activities.

Prof. Rukayyatu advocated for equitable access to quality education through practical, purposeful reforms anchored in adequate funding, the provision of qualified teachers, environmentally friendly schools, and community engagement as key measures to address these challenges.

Speaking at the event, the chairman of the occasion, His Excellency Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, who is also the chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum and the executive governor of Gombe State, commended the Sir Ahmadu Bello Sardauna Foundation for promoting education and good governance in the region.

He promised to champion the implementation of a unified educational reform rather than a fragmented approach to rescue the region and sustain the enduring legacy of Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna.

In his remarks, the chief host and executive governor of Jigawa State, His Excellency Dr Malam Umar Namadi, pledged to continue collaborating with all key stakeholders to promote educational reform and good governance in Northern Nigeria.