Why Zamfara Declared Emergency In Education — Commissioner

The Zamfara State Commissioner overseeing the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Abdulmalik Abubakar Gajam, has reaffirmed why the state government declared a state of emergency on education, saying the aim is to address critical challenges facing the sector.

The commissioner further reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to revitalising the education sector through a coordinated and inclusive approach.

The commissioner disclosed this on Sunday during a Steering Committee meeting on the state of emergency on education held in Gusau, the state capital.

Gajam explained that the committee has reached its fourth day of sitting following approval by the State Executive Council.

“During last week state executive council meeting, the committee has been given clear Terms of Reference,with five key thematic areas aimed at addressing critical challenges facing the sector”.

He revealed that part of the terms of reference is the provision of a safe and enabling learning environment, construction of protective school facilities, and provision of transportation systems tailored to rural and urban areas aimed at expanding access to education.

“The existing laws and policies guiding the education sector would be reviewed and updated to reflect current realities with a view to ensuring better coordination among government agencies and development partners, including programmes such as AGILE, BESDA, and other interventions”.

“We are not reinventing the wheel. What we observed previously was fragmentation in implementation. Different agencies were working in isolation. Now, we are integrating all stakeholders to ensure a unified and effective response,” he stated.

In their separate remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Hajiya Maryam Shantali, and the Executive Chairman of the Zamfara State Universal Basic Education Board, Professor Nasiru Garba Anka, said the aim of the steering committee for the state of emergency on education is to provide a sustainable roadmap that will guide the education sector for years to come.

” This would ensure that every child has access to quality education in a safe and enabling environment”.

They said the state government is now focusing on reintegration and sustainability to ensure long-term impact.