From Maawuya Bala Idris, Katsina
The Katsina State Government has announced plans to commence the recruitment of teachers as part of efforts to address manpower shortages in schools across the state.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Yusuf Suleiman Jibia, disclosed this during a meeting with officials of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation in his office.
Jibia said the recruitment exercise had become necessary to bridge gaps in subject areas and improve the quality of teaching in public schools.
According to him, the exercise will be guided by a detailed needs assessment to be carried out by the ministry in collaboration with the State Universal Basic Education Board.
“The recruitment is necessary to address the shortage of teachers in our schools and to fill critical subject gaps,” he said.
“We are conducting a comprehensive needs assessment in collaboration with SUBEB to ensure that the recruitment process is targeted and effective.”
The commissioner added that the government had taken steps to strengthen the quality of education through continuous professional development of teachers.
He said the state had established Teachers’ Development Training Centres in Katsina, Daura, and Funtua zones to provide regular capacity-building programmes for educators.
“These centres are designed to offer continuous professional training for teachers, ensuring they are well-equipped with modern teaching methodologies,” he added.
Jibia further disclosed that the government had introduced incentives to motivate teachers, particularly those working in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
“As part of our efforts to motivate teachers, the government has introduced special allowances and provided motorcycles to support mobility, especially for those in rural communities,” he said.
The commissioner expressed appreciation to UNESCO for its sustained support to the education sector in the state, particularly through the Education and Youth Empowerment in Nigeria–EU-UNESCO (EISS) project.
He noted that the intervention had significantly contributed to strengthening teacher capacity and improving learning outcomes.
“We appreciate UNESCO for its continued support, especially through the EISS project, which has played a vital role in enhancing teacher capacity and improving educational outcomes in the state,” he said.
Earlier, UNESCO Programme Assistant in Katsina State, Baba Goni, commended the state government for its commitment to improving education through strategic investments and policy reforms.
He described the establishment of a dedicated budget line for the EISS project as a clear demonstration of the government’s resolve to sustain education reforms.
“The Katsina State Government has shown strong leadership and commitment to education, particularly in the area of teacher development,” Goni said.
“The creation of a dedicated budget line for the EISS project is a clear indication of the state’s determination to sustain ongoing reforms.”
Goni also praised the state for adopting and implementing the Revised National Teacher Policy, as well as establishing Teachers’ Development Centres across the state.
“These initiatives are critical steps towards building a more professional and effective teaching workforce,” he said.
He reaffirmed UNESCO’s commitment to supporting the state in its efforts to improve teacher quality and enhance learning outcomes.
“We remain committed to working closely with the Katsina State Government to further strengthen teacher quality, improve professional standards, and achieve better learning outcomes for students,” Goni added.