Revolutionizing Kano’s Educational Sector: The Vision of Commissioner Umar Haruna Doguwa
The education system in Kano State has long faced daunting challenges. With over four million students sitting on bare floors and hundreds of schools left with only one teacher, the state’s educational sector was in dire need of transformation. Today, that transformation is happening under the leadership of Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa, Kano State’s Commissioner of Education. His tenure has marked a significant shift towards modernizing education, addressing long-standing challenges, and paving the way for future generations.
A New Era for Kano’s Schools
One of the most striking achievements under Hon. Umar Haruna Doguwa is the eradication of the era when students were forced to receive lectures while sitting on the bare floor. This problem, which once epitomized the state of education in Kano, is now being addressed through the provision of modern learning materials, improved infrastructure, and better classroom environments. Over 400 schools that once struggled with only one teacher per school are now receiving the attention they deserve.
The Honourable Commissioner has worked tirelessly to ensure that schools are equipped not only with physical materials but also with well-trained, motivated teachers. His focus on teachers’ professional development aims to build a robust educational system, where quality teaching translates into quality learning. This focus is particularly important in Kano, where teacher shortages and poor teaching conditions have been major obstacles for years.
Supporting Vulnerable Students and Promoting Girl-Child Education:-
Doguwa has also made it a priority to address the needs of vulnerable children in the state. This includes promoting girl-child education and ensuring that young girls, often excluded from formal education in parts of northern Nigeria, receive equal access to learning opportunities. His efforts to break down barriers to education for girls are helping to shift societal norms and encourage families to invest in their daughters’ futures.
In his commitment to enhancing access to education, Doguwa has not forgotten the importance of modern technology. Under his leadership, the state has started introducing digital learning tools, aiming to prepare Kano students for the demands of a globalized world where digital literacy is key to success.
Landmark Achievements:-
Hon. Umar Haruna Doguwa’s first year in office has been transformative. One of the major milestones was the state’s commitment of N1.3 billion to pay National Examination Council (NECO) and National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) registration fees for 57,000 indigent students. This initiative alone has lifted a significant financial burden from many families, giving thousands of students the chance to complete their education.
Additionally, the government has distributed over two million educational materials to both basic and post-basic schools, ensuring that students across the state have access to essential learning tools.
Doguwa has also made Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) registration free for all Kano indigenes, removing a significant barrier to higher education for many students. In tandem with this, he successfully implemented a 50% reduction in tuition fees across all state tertiary institutions. This move has been widely applauded, as it makes higher education more accessible to a broader range of students.
Scholarships and Infrastructure Development
Another key achievement under Doguwa’s leadership is the offering of foreign scholarships to over 1,000 Kano indigenes. This initiative is opening doors for students to pursue further education abroad, exposing them to global learning standards and experiences that they can bring back to enrich Kano’s education sector.
Infrastructure development has also been a cornerstone of Doguwa’s agenda. New classrooms, state-of-the-art laboratories, and modern libraries are being built across the state’s educational institutions. These investments are not just about creating space; they are about creating environments conducive to learning, where students can thrive and reach their full potential.
A Model for Other States:-
In just one year, Hon. Umar Haruna Doguwa has captured the attention of educators, students, and parents alike. His vision and dedication have set a pattern for other states in Nigeria to follow. By addressing both the immediate needs of students and teachers and laying the groundwork for long-term development, Doguwa is helping to build a brighter future for Kano State.
Education is the bedrock of any society’s growth, and the reforms introduced by Doguwa are positioning Kano as a leader in educational innovation and inclusivity. The transformation underway will not only benefit the students of today but will have a lasting impact on future generations. The Honourable Commissioner’s unwavering commitment to improving education in Kano is reshaping the landscape and ensuring that no child is left behind.
Writer:- Bala Salihu Dawakin kudu, the Democracy online media. 08060017934
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