By Hussaini Ibrahim
The Kano State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), in collaboration with PLANE UK, joined the global community to mark the International Day of Education at Gabasawa Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) on Thursday.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by Alhasan Hassan Deputy Director, Public Relations, of SUBEB the event aimed to celebrate teachers’ contributions to education and showcase interventions that improve learning outcomes in primary schools across the state.
Speaking at the occasion, the Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Malam Yusuf Kabir, represented by the Minjibir Zonal Director, Hajiya Zainab Aminu Zubairu, lauded teachers for their dedication, resilience, and professionalism.
“Teachers are key agents of change. They play a critical role in delivering inclusive and equitable quality education and in building peaceful, productive societies,” Malam Yusuf said. He urged educators to redouble their efforts in nurturing responsible and productive children who will positively impact society.
Also speaking, PLANE UK Technical Officer, Mrs Caitlin Downs, explained that the event was organized to recognise and appreciate teachers not only in classrooms but also in their communities.
“I visited Dr. Ayuba Model Primary School earlier, observing Primary One and Three English lessons. I was impressed by the pupils’ active participation and accurate responses, which reflect effective teaching methods and a clear understanding of the lessons,” she said.
Hajiya Zainab Isah Arah highlighted PLANE’s support for teachers through literacy and numeracy training for Primary One to Six pupils using Hausa as the mother-tongue methodology. She added that, following a recent policy on using English as the medium of instruction, four LGEAs—including Gabasawa—were selected as pilot areas where English teachers received specialized training.
Earlier, Education Secretary of Gabasawa LGEA, Malam Alhassan Musa Sani, welcomed participants and expressed appreciation to PLANE for providing modern skills training to teachers, assuring that the acquired skills are being effectively implemented across classrooms.
The celebration featured an English debate competition among teachers, showcasing teaching competence and communication skills. Malam Sani Sule emerged first with 85 marks, followed by Ubaidullah Suraj with 80 marks, while Najibullah Lawan placed third with 75 marks.
A key highlight was the distribution of school kits—including school bags, exercise books, and uniforms—to pupils drawn from various schools across Gabasawa LGA.
The International Day of Education was simultaneously celebrated across other piloting Local Government Education Authorities, including Minjibir, Takai, and Karaye, as part of broader efforts to strengthen PLANE-supported education interventions in Kano State.
The United Nations established January 24 as the International Day of Education to underscore the critical role education plays in human development, societal progress, and the achievement of peace and prosperity globally.