In a significant move to bolster educational resources in public schools, the Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (KADSUBEB) has launched an extensive distribution programme, providing 174,366 textbooks, 190,175 exercise books, and 32,343 school uniforms to schools across Kaduna State.
The announcement was made by Mubarak Muhammad, the executive chairman of KADSUBEB, during a recent event in Kaduna. He underscored that this initiative is part of the government’s ongoing commitment to enhance the quality of basic education. Additional materials distributed include 3,675 pairs of school sandals, 3,675 school bags, 40,175 pencils, 36,000 biros, 36,000 rulers, and 2,788 items of sports equipment, all aimed at enriching the educational experience for pupils statewide.
Mr Muhammad articulated the strategic importance of this intervention, stating, “When federal and state institutions and development partners collaborate effectively, the impact on foundational literacy and numeracy becomes undeniable.” He further emphasised that KADSUBEB’s mission transcends infrastructural upgrades; it seeks to improve learning outcomes and ensure that no child is left behind due to inadequate learning resources.
Expressing appreciation to the Commissioner for Education, local government education authority secretaries, and school leaders, Mr Muhammad acknowledged their vital role in sustaining the education system.
Aisha Garba, executive secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), highlighted that this initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Bola Tinubu. Represented by Zipora Banguru, the acting director of academic services at UBEC, she detailed the commission’s mandate to oversee the implementation of the Universal Basic Education programme, which includes the distribution of essential resources to states.
Ms Garba also commended the leadership of Minister of Education Maruf Alausa and Suwaiba Ahmed for their efforts in advancing educational reforms. She announced that UBEC is distributing over one million school bags, shoes, pencils, and exercise books nationwide, along with 8,369,514 teaching and learning materials designed for early childhood care and primary education.
Additionally, UBEC is deploying 567,180 teachers’ guides, 419,293 library resources for junior secondary schools, 1,480 interactive smart boards, and 287 computers for digital literacy centres. Renovation work is also underway in over 2,000 schools, highlighting the extensive federal commitment to the sector.
Describing the distribution initiative in Kaduna as a model of collaborative governance, Ms Garba urged stakeholders to ensure that every resource reaches classrooms and translates into tangible learning improvements.
Samuel Achimugu, the national team lead for the Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE), reported positive developments in foundational literacy and numeracy, with recent data indicating that students are making measurable progress. He noted that English transition materials are being piloted in 138 schools, with 1,033 cartons provided, including resources for primary two and three pupils.
Mr Achimugu also mentioned the provision of 1,183 teachers’ guides for primary one to three English literacy and 200 cartons of flashcards for primary one students, reinforcing the initiative’s alignment with federal language policy.
He urged the state government to broaden the distribution of these materials across all 23 local government areas, contingent upon the successful results of the pilot phase.
Murjanatu Shika, special adviser on vocational training to Governor Uba Sani, lauded KADSUBEB for this successful distribution, highlighting its importance for the state’s educational advancement.
The collaborative efforts of KADSUBEB, UBEC, and various stakeholders exemplify a robust commitment to elevating educational standards in Kaduna State, ensuring that every child has access to the necessary resources for a successful academic journey.
