Zamfara: Gov Lawal declares state of emergency on education

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has announced a state of emergency in the education sector, citing a significant deterioration in the state’s educational landscape. In a broadcast to the entire state on Tuesday, the governor expressed concern about the neglect suffered by the education sector, affecting primary to tertiary institutions.

Governor Lawal emphasized that the declaration of a state of emergency in education is consistent with his campaign promises to the people. He highlighted the government’s commitment to revamping the virtually collapsed education sector, aligning with his campaign manifesto’s pledges.

The governor disclosed that the state government has commenced the ambitious task of constructing and renovating 245 schools across all 14 local government areas. Furthermore, the initiative includes providing two-seater desks for 9,542 pupils and students in these areas, along with furnishing the renovated and newly constructed schools with 619 tables and 926 chairs for teachers.

Governor Lawal outlined additional measures, such as subject-specific training for all teachers and education managers and the suspension of licenses for private education providers in the state to ensure adherence to quality standards. In a bid to enhance the educational journey of Zamfara State indigenes, the government has approved the sponsorship of 50% of students admitted to the Federal Government Girls College Gusau for the 2023-2024 academic sessions.

Highlighting the commitment to academic excellence, the government has covered the National Examination Council (NECO) fees for all public school candidates who participated in the 2023 exams. Certificates for candidates who sat for the 2019 NECO examinations have been distributed, and the results for the exams conducted in 2020, 2021, and 2022 will be released by the end of the month. This follows the intervention of the current administration, resolving issues that led to the withholding of results by NECO due to non-payment by the previous administration.

Governor Lawal concluded by expressing the government’s determination to reverse the trend of underperformance, assuring that Zamfara State will thrive in all sectors. He emphasized that these efforts mark only the beginning of the administration’s mission to rescue and transform the state.