The Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA) conducted an advocacy visit on Wednesday to the Kano State House of Assembly (KSHoA) Committee on Education.
The report which was published days ago uncovered how despite huge annual budgetary allocations to the education sector, pupils in some special education schools study in poor conditions—no basic teaching and learning equipment in four such schools in the Kano Metropolitan area.
The Kano State Coordinator of CSACEFA, Dr. Auwal Halilu who presented the advocacy letter to the KSHOA Committee Chairman on Education said findings from research and investigative reports have shown that education financing in Kano needs to be improved.
He noted that there has been an increase in the number of out-of-school children over time in northern Nigeria and Kano has one of the highest figures.
Dr Halilu added that the non-availability of teaching, learning facilities, and equipment has led to the shortage of teachers in schools in rural communities.
“There are so many policies on education in Kano state but they are not implemented in reality. One reason for this is that there is poor monitoring and evaluation of schools in Kano state.
“We are advocating for an increase in education financing, recruitment of more teachers, especially in rural communities, enhanced monitoring and evaluation of the schools, and crippling of bottlenecks to girl-child education among other concerns.”
Responding, the Chairman of the Committee on Education, Hon Suleiman Ishaq, stated that education is among the government’s major priorities.
He said some of the challenges highlighted by CSACEFA are already being worked on by the government.
Hon. Ishaq also said the state government recently flagged off the distribution of education materials to schools in Kano. It will continue to work toward improving the education sector.
“I assure you that issues relating to children dropping out of school, especially the girl child will soon be resolved.
“I implore CSACEFA and other Civil Society Organizations to sponsor a private bill on education.
“The government has plans of making qualifying examinations such as West African Examinations Council and National Examinations Council free for the girl child,” Hon. Ishaq assured.
