Education Cornerstone of Kaduna’s Devt Strategy, Says Gov Sani at Summit

•Education minister, UN Deputy Secretary-General, British Deputy High Commissioner pledge support for Kaduna

John Shiklam in Kaduna

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani,  said since assumption of office in May 2023, his administration  had prioritised education as the cornerstone of its development strategy.

Speaking on Wednesday in Kaduna while declaring opened a three-day international summit on education (KADA EduPACT International Summit 2025), Sani described education as a tool for societal transformation.

He said  the summit, themed, “Strategic Visioning for Educational Transformation: Developing a Kaduna State Education Model,” marked a significant milestone in the ongoing quest to build a stronger, more inclusive, and future-ready education system in Kaduna State.

Sani stated, “When I assumed office as governor in May 2023, we made it abundantly clear that education would be the cornerstone of our administration.

“We see it not merely as a sector to be managed, but as a powerful tool for individual empowerment and societal transformation.”

The governor stated that a peaceful, prosperous, and secure society was built on the solid foundation of accessible, equitable, and high-quality education.

he stated, “We have focused on improving access, modernising infrastructure, enhancing teacher capacity, and embracing the power of technology to deliver impactful learning experiences to every child, in every community.

“As governor of Kaduna State, I am also acutely aware that global economic downturns have deepened educational disparities, threatening decades of progress.”

Sani said further that his administration believes education is both a fundamental human right and a critical driver of sustainable development, economic recovery, and social resilience.

“We have, therefore, prioritised investments in foundational learning, digital infrastructure, teacher training, and inclusive education policies, particularly those that serve marginalized groups, such as girls, learners with disabilities, nomadic populations, and children in conflict-affected communities.”

Sani added, “In line with United Nations recommendations, we are protecting our education budgets despite fiscal  constraints.”

He said the state government was fully open to meaningful partnerships with national and international development institutions, civil society, and the private sector to scale the impact.

According to the governor, the reforms are anchored on the principles of inclusive, lifelong learning.

Sani said, “We have redesigned school curricula to nurture critical thinking, digital literacy, problem-solving and global citizenship – ensuring our learners are equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”

He said  his government had also prioritised skills acquisition and vocational education as critical pathways to youth empowerment and economic resilience.

“To this end, our administration has completed three Institutes of Vocational Training and Skills Development, located in Rigachikun, Samaru Kataf, and Soba,” Sani stated.

He, however, lamented that despite Kaduna’s leading position in the North-west and northern Nigeria, in general, it still had a significant number of out-of-school children according to Sani, “This is why we launched the Reaching Out-of-School Children (ROOSC) Project – an ambitious, multi-pronged intervention aimed at eradicating the out-of-school crisis.

“This summit – EduPACT 2025 – is the blueprint for our next chapter. Its objective is to develop a strategic, realistic, and actionable roadmap rooted in six key pillars.”

The governor tasked participants at the summit to go beyond talk by  producing  timelines, budgets, and accountability frameworks that will outlive political cycles and truly reflect the hopes and dreams of every child in Kaduna State.

Sani commended  development partners for their support.

Speaking earlier,  education minister, Tunji Alausa, described Sani  as “a performing governor”.

Alausa stated that  the 40 per cent reduction in tuition fees across state-owned tertiary institutions; the significant investments in Kaduna State University; and the ambitious $62 million basic education initiative were commendable strides towards inclusive and equitable access to education.

he said, “This KADA EDuPACT International Summit comes at a pivotal moment, one where our country and indeed the global community must decide how boldly we are willing to invest in the next generation.

“This summit provides a platform for charting a clear, bold, and inclusive course for educational transformation, not just for Kaduna State, but as a model for other subnational entities across Nigeria.

“In alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and our National Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), we are committed to reimagining and rebuilding our education system to meet the needs of the 21st century.”

Alausa said that the country’s vision for education must be holistic, addressing not only access and infrastructure but also curriculum relevance, teacher quality, financing sustainability, gender inclusion, and digital literacy.

Alausa said, “As we navigate Nigeria’s complex development terrain, we must stop seeing education as a cost – it is a strategic investment in national stability, productivity, and peace.

“A Naira spent on quality education is a naira saved on conflict resolution, unemployment, and public health.

“This is why the Federal Ministry of Education is championing a new model of blended financing – one that brings together federal and state resources, private sector investments, and development partners in a results-based, transparent framework.

In a  goodwill message, British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mrs. Gill Lever, reaffirmed the UK’s support for Kaduna’s education reforms.

Lever said,

 “Kaduna has shown real leadership. This summit is an important platform to deepen partnerships and scale impact.”

In her remarks, via Zoom, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed praised Kaduna State for translating global education goals into local action.

Mohammed said, “At a time when education systems face enormous strain globally, Kaduna’s commitment to reducing barriers and expanding access is a powerful example of localised progress.”