EDUCATION is a fundamental right of every individual, and it is crucial to achieving personal and national development. The availability of quality education is a critical factor in reducing poverty, improving health outcomes, increasing economic growth, and fostering social equality.
However, access to quality education remains a challenge in many countries, particularly in developing nations. To address this challenge, governments and stakeholders must take deliberate steps to ensure that education is accessible to all. This essay will highlight some of the essential points to consider to improve access to quality education for all.
The Kano State Governor-elect Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf (AKY), has a keen interest in the provision of quality education for all in Kano. In his plan to ensure that education is accessible to all, he has outlined several critical points that will improve access to quality education. These points include free education, the establishment of additional schools, provision of school furniture, teacher recruitment, school feeding and uniforms, initiation of Mega Schools Policy, and the girl-child education initiative among others.
This write up will highlight these critical points in Abba’s Blueprint titled “Our Commitment for Kano: 2023 and Beyond”, and how they can improve access to quality education in Kano state.
Firstly, free education is a crucial factor in ensuring that education is accessible to all. AKY has proposed the provision of free education for all children in Kano state. This will eliminate the barriers that prevent children from accessing education, particularly those from impoverished backgrounds. Free education will ensure that all children, regardless of their socioeconomic status, can access quality education.
Secondly, the establishment of additional schools in under-served areas will help to increase access to education. Abba has proposed the establishment of additional schools in rural areas and areas with a high number of out-of-school children. This will ensure that children in these areas have access to quality education.
Thirdly, the provision of school furniture is essential in ensuring that children can learn in a comfortable environment. His Excellency has proposed the provision of school furniture tagged “One-Child-One-Chair” to ensure that children can learn in a comfortable environment. This will help to improve attendance and ensure that children can focus on their studies.
Fourthly, teacher recruitment is critical to improving the quality of education. Abba Kabir has proposed the recruitment of qualified teachers to meet the demand for education. Additionally, teacher training programs should be established to ensure that teachers have the necessary skills to teach effectively.
Fifthly, school feeding and uniforms are essential in ensuring that children can learn effectively. Abba Kabir Yusuf has proposed the re-introduction of school feeding program and free uniforms to improve attendance and ensure that children can focus on their studies. This will help to reduce the burden on families and ensure that children have access to basic needs such as food and clothing.
Sixthly, Abba Kabir Yusuf has proposed the initiation of a Mega Schools Policy to address the challenges of inadequate resources and infrastructure in many schools. Mega schools are large schools that can accommodate a high number of students and provide all the necessary facilities, including classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and sports facilities. This policy can help to reduce the burden on existing schools and improve access to education.
Finally, Abba has proposed the promotion of girl-child education initiatives to ensure that girls have equal access to education. This initiative is crucial in addressing the challenges of gender inequality in education, promotion of girl-child education as well as addressing the barriers that prevent girls from accessing education.
Abba’s plan to improve access to quality education in Kano state is comprehensive and addresses critical areas that need attention. By implementing these measures, it is certain that all children in Kano will have access to quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic status or gender.
Muzakkari, writes from Kano.