By Salisu Baso
The Proprietor of Supreme Academy, Kano, Dr. Balarabe Zaraddeen Ahmed, has called on the Kano State Government to introduce functional education that combines academic learning with practical skills and innovation to prepare students for self-reliance before graduation.
Dr. Zaraddeen made the call during the school’s Graduation, Speech and Prize-Giving Ceremony, which also marked its fifth anniversary.
He said the adoption of functional education would help address the growing challenge of youth unemployment by equipping students with vocational and entrepreneurial skills from an early stage.
According to him, functional education integrates classroom learning with hands-on training, enabling students to develop practical competencies alongside their academic studies.
He cited countries such as India and China as examples where functional education has contributed significantly to economic growth by producing a skilled and innovative workforce.
Dr. Zaraddeen explained that the approach is particularly important in the era of rapid advancement in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), where students need both academic knowledge and practical skills to remain competitive.
He urged the state government to actively implement functional education across public schools to reduce idleness and restiveness among graduates while promoting self-employment and entrepreneurship.
The proprietor commended the Kano State Government for prioritising the education sector and encouraged it to increase investment in education to improve the quality of human capital in the state.
He also stressed the need to change the mindset of students towards vocational occupations, encouraging them to embrace trades such as carpentry, tailoring, welding and other technical skills that can make them self-reliant.
Dr. Zaraddeen praised the administration of former Kano State Governor, , for sponsoring students to specialised training programmes in fields such as marine engineering, aviation and other technical professions, noting that many beneficiaries are now economically independent.
He further commended the school’s teachers and nannies for their dedication and hard work, assuring them that outstanding staff would continue to be recognised and rewarded.
Dr. Zaraddeen reaffirmed Supreme Academy’s commitment to investing in its learners by expanding educational opportunities, enhancing teaching and learning, promoting innovation, and strengthening character development to achieve academic excellence.
