Teacher Training Key To FG’s Strategy For Education Transformation — Alausa

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, on Wednesday, declared that the Federal Government remains committed to improving teacher recruitment, training, and motivation, describing educators as the cornerstone of any meaningful reform in the education sector.

This is just as the state Governor, Uba Sani, declared that the state’s future hinged on building an inclusive, tech-driven and resilient education system capable of empowering its youth and bridging decades-old disparities.

The duo spoke at the KADA EduPACT International Summit 2025, themed: ‘Strategic Visioning for Educational Transformation: Developing the Kaduna State Education Model’.

The Governor said his administration was transitioning from fragmented interventions to a unified, data-driven and future-ready education strategy.

“This summit marks a significant milestone in our ongoing quest to build a stronger, more inclusive and future-ready education system in Kaduna State,” Governor Sani said at the event held at Yar’Adua Hall, Murtala Square, Kaduna.

“We are placing our children and youth at the centre of our development vision.”

Since assuming office in May 2023, Governor Sani said he had made education a foundational priority, describing it not merely as a sector to be managed, but as a “powerful tool for individual empowerment and societal transformation.”

“We believe a peaceful, prosperous and secure society is built on the solid foundation of accessible, equitable, and high-quality education,” the governor told a hall filled with international partners, federal representatives and local stakeholders.

He noted that despite global economic headwinds, Kaduna State had protected its education budget and was integrating technology to expand access, including through low-cost digital and radio-based learning, particularly in underserved communities.

Governor Sani reeled out several key achievements of his administration, including, “Construction or rehabilitation of over 1,000 classrooms; Commissioning of 62 new secondary schools; distribution of 1.48 million instructional materials; provision of 30,742 two-seater desks; deployment of real-time digital dashboards to track enrolment and performance; reduction of tuition fees in state-owned tertiary institutions by 40%

“Our aim is simple: no child in Kaduna should be denied education because of financial barriers,” the governor said, pointing to a significant rise in tertiary enrolment since the fee reduction policy took effect.

The Governor also acknowledged the out-of-school children crisis in the state, calling it “a stain on our collective conscience” and unveiling the Reaching Out-of-School Children (ROOSC) Project, a comprehensive initiative aimed at returning 300,000 children to the classroom.

On higher education, the governor disclosed that his administration had invested over ₦500 million into Kaduna State University (KASU), which led to the National Universities Commission (NUC) approving 40 new academic programmes for the 2024/2025 academic session.

“This expansion reflects our determination to increase academic access, foster innovation and align university offerings with national needs and global trends,” Sani said.

Meanwhile, delivering the keynote address at the event, Alausa stressed that no education reform would be successful without teachers at its core.

“No education reform will succeed without teachers. We must improve teacher recruitment, training, motivation, and professional development,” he stated.

The summit brought together local and international stakeholders, development partners, and policymakers to co-create a homegrown, inclusive education framework for Kaduna State.

Alausa highlighted the Teacher Internship and Quality Assurance Framework, alongside the ongoing revitalisation of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), as key national efforts to harmonise and raise teaching standards. He commended Kaduna State for taking the lead in these areas.

“Kaduna State’s education reforms represent a practical model that can help chart a transformative course for Nigeria’s entire education sector,” he said.

The Minister praised the administration of Governor Uba Sani for demonstrating strong political will and commitment to transforming education, pointing to key milestones such as a 40 per cent reduction in tuition across state-owned tertiary institutions, renewed investments in Kaduna State University, and a $62 million initiative focused on basic education.

“What we are witnessing in Kaduna today is not just progress. It is proof of concept that transformation is attainable when leadership is intentional and data-driven.”

He lauded the state’s strategic engagement with international partners and stressed the importance of inclusive and participatory education governance.

“Education is a shared responsibility. The government cannot do it alone. Kaduna’s model of building strategic partnerships should be replicated in other states,” the Minister said.

Alausa also outlined a national vision for holistic education transformation anchored on five core pillars: learner-centered models, equity and inclusion, digital literacy, resilience, and sustainability.

He urged states to align local reforms with global benchmarks, citing the 2022 United Nations Transforming Education Summit and a recent Financing for Development Conference in Spain as reference points.

According to him, the Kaduna education model must be designed to equip learners with critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital skills while remaining inclusive and equitable.

“Our vision must go beyond brick and mortar. It must address curriculum relevance, teacher quality, gender inclusion, and financing sustainability.

“We must reimagine Kaduna’s education model to be learner-centered and ensure no child is left behind,$ the minister said.

He also advocated for the integration of technology such as artificial intelligence, data-driven school management systems, and remote learning infrastructure to guarantee continuity during global disruptions like pandemics or climate-related emergencies.

The three-day EDuPACT Summit is expected to culminate in the development of a Kaduna State Education Transformation Blueprint, aligned with both national goals and international commitments.