Stakeholders at the Kaduna International Education Summit, tagged ‘EduPACT 2025′, have advocated an investment of N440 billion in Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and far-reaching reforms to mainstream Almajiri education.
This formed part of a communique issued at the end of the three-day summit in Kaduna on Sunday.
The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Abubakar Sani-Sambo, who read the communique, said the summit was organised to drive inclusive governance, innovation and community ownership in the education sector.
The communique proposed a N440 billion TVET plan to establish centres of excellence, strengthen apprenticeship schemes and link vocational skills to industry needs to boost economic growth.
It also recommended that 15 per cent of Kaduna State’s education budget be allocated to TVET to guarantee sustainable funding and implementation.
On the Almajiri system, the summit resolved to integrate Almajiri children into vocational and formal education by removing barriers such as uniforms and fees, and empowering religious leaders to champion the reforms.
Participants also called for the establishment of a Kaduna State Education Reform Council to harmonise roles across the Teaching Service Board, Ministry of Education and other stakeholders.
The summit highlighted the need to review obsolete education policies, recruit more teachers to reduce class sizes, especially in rural areas, and conduct skills gap assessments to improve teacher quality.
It further recommended expanding smart classrooms, integrating artificial intelligence into teaching and learning, exploring alternative energy sources such as solar and modular nuclear systems to enhance digital education.
On community engagement, the communique urged the strengthening of School-Based Management Committees, Parent-Teacher Associations and Mothers’ Associations to deepen advocacy and accountability.
It also called for greater inclusion of students in school boards and planning, alongside equitable tuition policies to improve access.
The summit recommended prioritising access for persons with disabilities and out of school children, expanding early childhood centres, and transitioning from local government-level interventions to a statewide strategy.
It proposed creating a unified platform for all development partners to avoid overlap and duplication.
The summit further suggested establishing a dedicated safe schools budget under the Federal Ministry of Finance, which Kaduna could leverage.
The participants also urged the state government to translate discussions into measurable actions, urging that education should be treated not as a political project but as a sacred promise to every child.(NAN)
