-As FG sees development as revolution in education sector

Just after many accolades were accorded to the governor of Kano state, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, by His Excellency the Vice President, of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo over Ganduje’s effort in turning around the education for better performance, as described by the Vice President, that believing in human capital development, was what made Kano stand up for that, other nations of the world follow suit.

Vice President believes that, “Kano is eminently positioning to trigger educational revolution around the Northern region and Nigeria in general. And the federal government must steam to tide to make it workable.”

When also moved by the free and compulsory primary and secondary education policy, of Kano, he reveals, by way of encouraging Ganduje, that, at the level of the federal government, they feed, on daily basis, 9.8 school children, that “…shows how committed we are in ensuring basic education development.”

Also encouraged by the concern and effort of Dr Ganduje’s administration in Kano state, in educational development, particularly in the area of free and compulsory primary and secondary education, some giant nations of the world from Europe to the Middle East, reiterate their commitment towards, supporting the state to achieve greater heights.

Seen, as an opportunity to squarely address the menace of out-of-school children, the critical need to bring forth children who acquire necessary skills for their human development and addressing the unemployment problem, Kano seeks genuine synergy of stakeholders for optimal result.

At the Two-Day Summit on Free and Compulsory Primary and Secondary Education, held at Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano, between Tuesday 3rd to Wednesday 4th September,

the French Ambassador, His Excelency Jerome Pasquier, who was represented by Mrs Laila, assured the state that France would always be ready to see to the successful implementation of this free education policy, popularised by Ganduje.

She said “Free and compulsory education is very important for France. It is in fact our national priority to see that free and compulsory education are supported, popularise and given all the necessary attention.”

France, according to her congratulates Kano state for the initiative. For also taking some giant strides towards good, effective and efficient implementation of the policy.

Laila reminded that, it is because of the good link between the state and France, in educational advancement, that French Embassy recently started an educational programme with Kano, where some selected teachers of state-owned tertiary institutions are sent to France for their Postgraduate studies.

“Some of those who completed their second degree programmes, have already enrolled for Doctorate Degrees in their field of studies. I am glad to inform you that they are pairing well in their various universities, in France,” she reveals.

His Excellency the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirate Dr Fahad Obaid Al-Taflaq disclosed that his county would always be ready to partner with Kano in the education sector, “…for meaningful development to thrive in the state in particular and the nation in general.”

While assuring his country’s support to Kano free and compulsory education, he also made it clear that “We are looking forward to work together with the federal government and Kano state government in developing the education sector for optimal result.”

Other nations like the Kingdom of Sa’udi Arabia reiterated commitment towards giving a helping hand to Kano to achieve greater feats in the free and compulsory education policy, which was described as important not only for the state, but for the nation in general.

Apart from nations of the world, drumming support for the project, other global bodies like World Bank and UNICEF, commended Ganduje for the good initiative, while describing the whole project as a driver for development.

Education Head of UNICEF, Euphrates Efosi Wose, after commending the state government for the new development, he reveals to the hearing of all the dignitaries that, “Looking at the feats being achieved from many fronts in Kano state, UNICEF decides to open a Field Office in Kano.”

Senior Education Specialist of the World Bank, Dr Tunde Adekola commended Ganduje for his prompt and timely intervention in addressing out-of-school children syndrome, emphasising that, “This intervention is good and from the look of things, the implementation will also be effective and efficient.”

Being impressed by the state government effort in dealing with the menace of unskilled children in the state, as well as, the problem of unemployment, Dr Adekola disclosed that his organisation, the World Bank includes Kano in some strategic projects, aimed at improving the quality of life of people.

It was during his assumption of office for the second term, on 29th May, 2019, governor Ganduje made a policy pronouncement and commitment to provide free and compulsory basic and secondary education. Which he argued was in recognition of the pivotal role education plays in societal development.

In his submission, at the Summit, governor Ganduje explains the main reason behind the Summit, thus “The objective of this summit, is to discuss, analyse and generate ideas towards the implementation of our vision for free and compulsory basic and secondary education.”

Overwhelmed by the turn out of both governmental and non-governmental bodies, the governor said gladly, ” Your Excellencies I am overwhelmed by the huge turn out at today’s activity. This is a clear indication that with your support, the government of Kano state, is not alone in the crusade to address the fundamental challenges of our society.”

Adding that, it was in view of the daunting challenges that his government set up a committee to conduct a census of out-of-school children with the sole view to updating the available data, for ensuring adequate planning in preparation for the implementation the free and compulsory education policy, alongside other policies in the sector.

To explain further how he intends to make the new programme a success and sustainable, governor Ganduje said “In order to ensure the success and sustainability of the policy, government is articulating a draft Bill and other necessary legislative instruments to put into Law the programme of Free and Compulsory Basic and Secondary Education.”

To express his happiness for all interventions his administration gets from across the world, in education and other sectors, he appreciated that, “I also want to extend special appreciation to our partners in progress, particularly the UK government, the United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF), the World Bank,

United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the European Union (EU) and other development partners for their tremendous support and cooperation in advancing the progress and development of Kano state.”

The summit was well blessed by the attendance of the Vice President, all the three Senators from Kano, other members of the House of Representatives, particularly, House Leader, Ministers of Education, Agriculture, Power among many other distinguished personalities.

By Sulaiman Auwal Marshal, Kano.