Photo File: The Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Radda. 

The Katsina State Government has launched a step-down training programme for 18,000 teachers and commenced the distribution of 20,000 tablets to selected beneficiaries as part of efforts to improve teaching quality and strengthen learning outcomes across the state.

According to a statement on Friday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ibrahima Kaulaha, the initiative was unveiled at a ceremony presided over by the Deputy Governor, Faruq Jobe, who represented Governor Dikko Radda.

The Deputy Governor highlighted several ongoing interventions in the education sector, including the distribution of school materials, and 30,000 uniforms to less privileged children, provision of specialised teaching aids for schools for the blind and deaf, installation of CCTV cameras in 130 schools to enhance security, and the provision of 70 motorcycles for monitoring officers to improve  school supervision,  particularly in rural areas.

“These are not just statistics but a strategic investment in the future of our children,” Jobe said.“By equipping teachers with modern tools and the necessary training, we are aligning our educational system with global standards to prepare our students for 21st-century competitiveness.”

The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hajiya Zainab Musawa, described the initiative as “a significant milestone” in the state’s bid to restore the glory of education. She commended the support of the World Bank, UBEC, and other partners, reaffirming the government’s commitment to continuous teacher empowerment through capacity-building programmes.

Further details were provided by the State Project Coordinator of the TESS programme, Hajiya Binta Abdulmumini, who explained that 18,000 teachers will be trained by 90 master trainers who had previously undergone specialised instruction. She added that each teacher will be provided with a tablet preloaded with lesson plans and digital teaching resources.

The Chairperson of the Katsina State Teachers’ Association, Hajiya Rakiya Shehu, applauded the government’s investment in both teachers and students, urging stakeholders to work collectively to ensure the programme’s success.

The launch ceremony drew several dignitaries, including the Chief Judge of Katsina State, Justice Musa Danladi; the Commissioner of Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education; the Permanent Secretary of MBASE, Hajiya Ummulkhairi Ahmed Bawa; SUBEB Chairman, Dr. Kabir Magaji; Permanent Member II, Rabiu Idris Funtua; the Deputy Chief of Staff at the Government House; CEO of Continental Computers, Alhaji Salisu Mamman Kadandani; senior security officers; and other top government officials.