The Arewa Centre for Educational Advancement and Policy Research (ACE&PR) has applauded Governor Uba Sani for what it described as one of the most ambitious basic education reform drives in Kaduna State’s recent history, citing 20 major achievements recorded by the Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (KADSUBEB) since the administration assumed office on May 29, 2023.
In a statement issued by its Director-General, Dr. Abdullahi Mohammed Anchau, the policy centre said the reforms have touched every layer of the basic education system—from classrooms and teachers to technology, inclusion, data collection, school infrastructure, and child enrolment.
According to the centre, one of the most significant developments was the introduction of Kaduna State’s first-ever Teacher Excellence Awards for basic education teachers, with outstanding educators from all 23 local government areas undergoing rigorous assessment and recognition for excellence in the classroom.
The centre noted that thousands of pupils across the state have also benefited from the large-scale distribution of learning materials under the UBEC/SUBEB Matching Grant Scheme. More than 174,000 textbooks, 190,000 exercise books, over 32,000 school uniforms, school bags, sandals, and sporting materials were provided to pupils in public schools.
ACE&PR further praised the massive expansion of educational infrastructure across Kaduna State. It said over 2,300 new classrooms have been constructed, while more than 700 classroom blocks have been renovated in communities spread across the three senatorial districts, helping to create a more conducive learning environment for pupils.
The centre highlighted KADSUBEB’s push towards digital learning through the deployment of tablets and ICT tools to teachers at the Model Smart School in Kinkinau, describing it as an important step towards preparing Kaduna’s children for a technology-driven future.
Another reform singled out for commendation was the expansion of the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) programme. According to the centre, the initiative now covers 1,461 schools and has reached 221,964 learners, producing measurable improvements in literacy and numeracy outcomes across the state.
ACE&PR also praised the training programmes organised for headteachers and junior secondary school principals, saying stronger school leadership is essential for sustainable improvements in learning outcomes.
On inclusive education, the centre said KADSUBEB deserves recognition for expanding training programmes for Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND), equipping teachers and stakeholders in several education clusters with the skills required to support learners living with disabilities.
The policy centre further commended the digitisation of education management through the distribution of mobile devices to board officials and Local Government Education Authority personnel in all 23 LGAs. It said the integration of Kaduna’s education system into the Nigeria Education Management Information System (NEMIS) has strengthened data collection, monitoring, attendance tracking, and evidence-based decision-making.
ACE&PR described the state’s household mapping exercise as a major breakthrough in educational planning. Covering approximately 360,000 households, the survey identified 187,719 out-of-school children and provided government with critical data needed to tackle one of the most pressing challenges facing the education sector.
The centre also praised the administration’s sustained recruitment of 2,000 teachers annually and the extension of teachers’ retirement age from 60 to 65 years, saying the policy has preserved valuable experience within the education system while creating opportunities for mentorship of younger educators.
According to the statement, the distribution of more than 1.48 million instructional materials and the training of over 26,000 teachers represent one of the largest investments in teaching and learning support ever witnessed in Kaduna’s basic education sector.
ACE&PR further pointed to the successful securing of a $25.35 million Kuwait Fund facility, part of a broader $62.8 million education development package, which is supporting the construction of 102 climate-resilient schools and the upgrade of 170 existing facilities, particularly for girls, displaced children, and learners living with disabilities.
The centre said the impact of these interventions is already becoming visible. Independent monitoring reportedly recorded a 21.4 per cent increase in enrolment in targeted schools, with pupil numbers rising from 91,833 to 111,450.
The statement also highlighted KADSUBEB’s successful staffing of bilingual schools constructed under the Islamic Development Bank-supported programme, ensuring that the facilities become fully operational and accessible to learners.
Similarly, ACE&PR commended the board’s role in expanding access to junior secondary education through the AGILE Project, which delivered 62 new secondary facilities, including 39 new junior secondary schools now under KADSUBEB’s supervision.
Beyond infrastructure and recruitment, the centre noted that academic excellence is once again receiving attention through the revival of statewide debate and quiz competitions, giving pupils opportunities to compete, develop confidence, and sharpen critical thinking skills.
Traditional institutions were also recognised as key partners in the reform process. ACE&PR praised KADSUBEB’s engagement with emirs, district heads, and community leaders to mobilise support for school enrolment, retention, and foundational learning programmes.
The centre further applauded partnerships established to combat substance abuse among school-age children through collaboration with KADSAMHSA and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, describing prevention and awareness as critical investments in the future of young people.
On girl-child education, ACE&PR said the board has strengthened collaboration with civil society organisations and community-based groups to encourage enrolment, improve retention, and address barriers keeping girls out of school, particularly in rural communities.
“Taken together, these reforms represent a comprehensive effort to rebuild confidence in public basic education,” the statement said.
“The achievements go beyond statistics. They reflect deliberate investments in teachers, classrooms, technology, inclusion, data, community participation, and the future of Kaduna’s children. The administration of Governor Uba Sani has demonstrated that educational transformation is possible when leadership, planning, and sustained investment work together.”
The centre urged all stakeholders, including parents, traditional rulers, development partners, civil society organisations, and community leaders, to continue supporting efforts aimed at ensuring every child in Kaduna State has access to quality basic education.
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