The Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (KADSUBEB) has officially commenced the distribution of an impressive array of educational resources aimed at enhancing public schooling in the state. This initiative encompasses the provision of 174,366 textbooks, 190,175 exercise books, and 32,343 school uniforms to various public schools throughout Kaduna State.
At a recent event held in Kaduna, Mubarak Muhammad, the executive chairman of KADSUBEB, highlighted the significance of this distribution, stating that it represents a vital step towards reinforcing the delivery of basic education. The initiative also includes 3,675 pairs of school sandals, 3,675 school bags, 40,175 pencils, 36,000 biros, 36,000 rulers, and 2,788 items of sports equipment for pupils across the state.
Mr Muhammad articulated the importance of this intervention, asserting the government’s unwavering dedication to improving educational outcomes. He remarked, “When federal and state institutions, alongside development partners, align strategically, measurable impact becomes inevitable, particularly in foundational literacy and numeracy development.”
The chairman emphasised that KADSUBEB’s mandate extends beyond mere infrastructural improvements; it aims to enhance learning outcomes and ensure that no child is deprived of education due to a lack of essential learning materials. He expressed gratitude towards the Commissioner for Education, local government education authority secretaries, school heads, and teachers for their ongoing commitment to sustaining the educational system.
In her address, Aisha Garba, the executive secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), conveyed that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Representing Ms Garba, Zipora Banguru, the acting director of academic services at UBEC, outlined the commission’s mandate to coordinate the implementation of the Universal Basic Education programme, which includes disbursing intervention funds to states and ensuring quality, access, equity, and accountability in education.
Ms Garba acknowledged the efforts of the Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, and Suwaiba Ahmed in strengthening educational reforms across the sector. She revealed that UBEC is currently distributing over one million school bags, shoes, pencils, and exercise books nationwide, alongside 8,369,514 assorted teaching and learning materials for early childhood care and development, as well as primary schools.
In addition to these efforts, UBEC is deploying 567,180 teachers’ guides, 419,293 library resources for junior secondary schools, 1,480 interactive smart boards, and 287 computers and digital literacy centre equipment for 37 centres. More than 2,000 schools are also undergoing renovation, highlighting the extensive federal intervention in the education sector.
Describing the distribution in Kaduna as a model of collaborative governance, Ms Garba urged that every item be effectively utilised in classrooms to translate into measurable improvements in learning outcomes.
Samuel Achimugu, the national team lead for the Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE), reported that the programme has significantly bolstered foundational literacy and numeracy in Kaduna. Recent assessments indicate that students are making measurable progress in their learning. He noted that English transition materials are currently being piloted in 138 schools, with 1,033 cartons supplied, including resources for primary two and three pupils.
Mr Achimugu also mentioned the provision of 1,183 teachers’ guides for primary one to three English literacy and 200 cartons of flashcards for primary one students. He explained, “The initiative supports the transition from mother tongue to English, in alignment with federal government language policy directives, aiming to enhance children’s English proficiency.”
However, he urged the state government to expand the distribution of these materials across all 23 local government areas, contingent upon the success of the pilot phase.
Murjanatu Shika, the special adviser on vocational training to Governor Uba Sani, congratulated KADSUBEB on this successful distribution initiative, underscoring its significance for the state’s educational landscape.
The concerted efforts by KADSUBEB, UBEC, and various stakeholders exemplify a robust commitment to elevating the standards of education in Kaduna State, ensuring that every child has access to the necessary resources for a fruitful learning experience.
