In a decisive move to tackle the critical shortage of science educators, the Kano State government has officially employed 400 freshly recruited Mathematics teachers. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf presented the appointment letters, marking a significant step towards improving the quality of teaching and learning in public secondary schools.
Building a Foundation for a Knowledge-Driven Economy
Governor Yusuf, during the presentation ceremony, underscored the vital role of Mathematics as the foundation of science, technology, engineering, and innovation. He stated that for Kano to compete effectively in the modern, knowledge-driven world, building a strong educational base is non-negotiable. The governor expressed confidence that this injection of new teaching talent will significantly enhance teaching quality, improve examination results, and open stronger pathways for students into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.
He commended the Ministry of Education and the Kano State Senior Secondary Schools Management Board (KSSSSMB) for overseeing a transparent and impactful recruitment process. The new educators were urged to demonstrate passion, commitment, and professionalism in their duties, justifying the confidence the state has placed in them.
A Multi-Pronged Approach to Educational Revival
This teacher recruitment is a key component of a larger educational overhaul initiated by the state government. Governor Yusuf reiterated that education remains the top priority of his administration. Following the declaration of a state of emergency in education, the government has launched several coordinated initiatives.
These include the immediate recruitment of 2,616 qualified teachers for public primary schools to address the wide teacher-to-pupil ratio. In a significant move for job security, the administration has also absorbed 4,315 former BESDA volunteer teachers into the state civil service as permanent and pensionable staff. The Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) programme, a World Bank-supported initiative, was previously discontinued, leaving these volunteers without work.
Beyond teaching staff, the government is also focusing on school safety. Governor Yusuf confirmed the approval for the employment of 1,600 watchmen to restore security across all public secondary schools. The administration's strategy is to rebuild the education system through strategic policies, expanded recruitment, better supervision, and ongoing training for personnel.
Reviving Entrepreneurship and Empowering Youth
In a related development aimed at youth empowerment, Governor Yusuf has revived three state-owned entrepreneurship institutes that were abandoned for eight years under the previous administration. The reinstated centres—the Poultry Institute, Development Journalism Institute, and Artisan Fisheries Institute—have already admitted 1,000 new beneficiaries.
These institutes are part of a larger network of 26 entrepreneurship centres established by the state to promote skills acquisition, job creation, and economic self-reliance. Dr Ibrahim Garba Muhammad, the Governor's Special Adviser on Human Resources, stated that this revival reflects the governor's deep commitment to human capital development and his determination to provide sustainable opportunities for the youth and women of Kano.
