Kano state government, in partnership with the United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) in Nigeria and the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), is set to organize a two-day education recovery conference on July 10 and 11, 2024.
The conference, themed “Repositioning Education in Kano State: Navigating the Path to Excellence,” aims to address significant challenges in the education sector in Kano State. It will bring together thought leaders, political actors, diplomats, educators, private sector players, advocates, and policymakers to discuss and find solutions to the pressing issues faced by the state’s education system.
Kano State, like many parts of Nigeria, faces critical issues that hinder the progress of its education sector. With over 9 million out-of-school children in Nigeria, Kano State plays a significant role in contributing to this figure as the most populous northern state. Therefore, addressing the challenges in Kano is crucial to the overall goal of the “Education for Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The Kano State Government has demonstrated its commitment to tackling educational challenges head-on. In June, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf declared a state of emergency in the education sector due to the deterioration in both educational quality and infrastructure. The government has initiated a comprehensive overhaul, focusing on academic and infrastructure development.
Governor Yusuf outlined plans for extensive renovations of primary and junior secondary schools, soft loans for teachers, initiatives to promote girl-child education, and other interventions. The approval of funds for the renovation and construction of classrooms across the state further demonstrates Kano’s ambition to kickstart the journey towards quality and accessible education.
The education recovery conference will provide a platform for technical deliberations on education access, quality, and equity in Kano State. The agenda includes keynote speeches, lead paper presentations, plenaries, and breakout sessions, all designed to address different areas of challenges using an interactive and inclusive approach.
The collaboration between the Kano State Government, the FCDO, and the ACF highlights the commitment to finding sustainable and scalable solutions to reposition and improve the education sector in Kano State. The conference aims to foster partnerships and create a roadmap for transforming education in the state, ensuring sustainable access to quality education for all.
As Kano State prepares to host this significant conference, stakeholders and participants are optimistic that the discussions and outcomes will pave the way for a brighter future for education in the state. The focus on repositioning education and navigating the path to excellence reflects the collective determination to overcome challenges and provide a solid foundation for the educational development of Kano’s youth.