Headlines
25% of primary schools in Kano have one teacher each – report
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Partnership For Learning For All in Nigeria (PLANE) has stated that 25 Percent of primary schools in Kano “have only one teacher to teach all grades of the primary school”.
KANO FOCUS reports that this is contained in its 2024 Learning Outcome Assessment report of some primary schools in the state that was presented on Thursday in Kano at a dissemination workshop for stakeholders.
Leadership of PLANE team and some chairmen of local governments
Speaking during a stakeholders meeting in Kano, Franklin Oniya, the Monitoring and Evaluation Lead Coordinator for Partnership for Learning in All Nigeria (PLANE), reported that teacher absenteeism was noted at 8.6 percent, while pupil absenteeism was recorded at 62 percent.
Additionally, critical challenges such as a lack of basic instructional materials, absenteeism among both teachers and students coupled with overcrowded classrooms in government basic schools are raising concerns among authorities, as revealed by a report from the United Kingdom-funded project
Officials of PLANE
The report highlights that approximately 25 percent of the 1,612 primary schools assessed in Kano have only one teacher for all six grades. This results in a teacher-to-pupil ratio of 1:131, which far exceeds UNESCO’s recommended ratio of 1:35 and is double the state’s target of 1:60.
Furthermore, in about 79 percent of classrooms, most children lacked essential supplies such as pencils and exercise books, indicating that over three-quarters of students do not have the materials needed to complete their lessons.
Oniya emphasized the need for the state government to enhance the recruitment of qualified teachers, ensure adequate training for educators, and improve school monitoring and support while providing sufficient learning materials.
Ag Provost of Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education Dr Kabiru Gwarzo and participant
Deputy National Leader of PLANE, Sam Achimugu explained that the seven-year program, currently in its second year, is being implemented in Kano, Kaduna, and Jigawa states. The program aims to strengthen the education system in these states, particularly focusing on children in Foundational and Accelerated Learning Schools.
He urged the Kano State government to ensure sustainability and foster collaboration among stakeholders to improve the education system.
FCDO OfficialsAccording to Alh. Umar Lawan, the team leader of PLANE’s Kano office, the program emphasizes literacy and mathematics and is being implemented in 1,112 primary schools across 11 local government areas, with an enrollment of 265,011 pupils.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
In her words, the Board Secretary of the Kano State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Hajia Amina Garba commended PLANE’s efforts to improve the quality of education in Kano. She also highlighted the recent declaration of a state of emergency in education to address the challenges facing the sector and assured that the government would maintain its partnership to transform the educational system.
KANO FOCUS reports that PLANE finally praised the efforts of the Kano state government for recruiting 5,634 permanent teachers and 4,300 BESDA teachers, describing it as and important step in alleviating the teacher shortage which it’s report says is on a ratio of 131:1 for pupil-teacher ratio (PTR) in the state.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A former Governor of Kano State Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for ordering a fresh investigation into the disappearance of activist and lecturer Abubakar Idris Dadiyata.
KANO FOCUS reports that Kwankwaso made the remarks in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Saturday following recent testimony by a former aide to an ex-state governor, who allegedly claimed that police officers were responsible for Dadiyata’s disappearance in Kaduna.
Dadiyata, a lecturer and social media commentator, was abducted in 2019, and his whereabouts have remained unknown since then.
According to Kwankwaso, he and his associates have consistently advocated for a thorough investigation into the incident and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
He described the Inspector-General’s directive for a comprehensive investigation as a “decisive and long-overdue action,” expressing hope that the process would uncover the truth behind the disappearance.
The former governor also urged police authorities to place individuals named in the allegations under close surveillance to prevent interference with the investigation.
Kwankwaso further called on the government to ensure that Dadiyata, if found alive, and his family receive adequate compensation for the trauma and hardship they have endured over the years.
He commended members of the public for sustaining advocacy efforts on the case and also praised Abba Hikima Fagge for what he described as his important role in the latest developments surrounding the investigation.
Kwankwaso expressed optimism that the renewed probe would ultimately deliver truth and justice in the case.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
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