CITAD, FCDO Call for Enhanced Citizen Participation in Education Governance

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), in collaboration with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), paid a visit to the Chairman of the House Committee on Education at the Kano State House of Assembly today. The visit was part of CITAD’s ongoing project to promote citizen participation in governance and demand accountability from public office holders.

During the meeting, CITAD’s Project Officer, Mr. Isah Garba, raised concerns about the challenges plaguing the education sector in Kano State.

“From our investigations, we discovered that many public schools in Kano State face serious infrastructural challenges. Classrooms lack sufficient seating, roofs are in disrepair, toilet facilities are ineffective, and learning materials are grossly inadequate. Additionally, there is a severe shortage of qualified teachers,” Garba stated.

He further highlighted the lack of potable water in schools and the impact of frequent flooding, which has exacerbated unsafe learning conditions.

“These schools require complete renovation. We urge the Kano State House of Assembly to prioritize this issue and, through its oversight functions, collaborate with the executive arm to address these problems,” he added.

In response, the Chairman of the House Committee on Education, Hon. Mukhtar Madobi, acknowledged the issues and assured that the state government is committed to addressing them.

“Education is the bedrock of society, and neglecting it would be a disservice to future generations. The state government is fully dedicated to ensuring that no child is left behind. We are allocating resources and engaging all stakeholders to resolve these problems,” Madobi stated.

He further emphasized that the current administration has declared a state of emergency in the education sector, with a focus on both basic and post-basic education.

He noted that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has allocated over 30% of the state budget to education, with more than 60% of the funds already released for implementation.

Hon. Madobi also revealed that the government intends to increase the education budget in the next fiscal year to continue addressing these challenges.

Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Muhammad Bello Butu-Butu, also commended CITAD for its advocacy efforts, emphasizing the need for urgent educational reform.

“Without immediate reform, our schools will remain in their current deteriorating state, which is unacceptable. We are determined to push for comprehensive changes that will revitalize our educational system and create a conducive learning environment for our children,” he remarked.