Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal has suspended the licences of private schools and declared a state of emergency in the state’s education sector. 

In a state-wide broadcast on Tuesday, the governor harped on the neglected education sector in Zamfara, saying it affects all levels of education in the state. 

According to him, the neglect affects both primary and tertiary education, saddled with a poor learning environment and poorly trained personnel. 

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, explained that the declaration of a state of emergency on education aligns with his campaign promise. 

“In a state broadcast today, Governor Dauda Lawal declared a state of emergency in the education sector across Zamfara.

“This is in line with his campaign manifesto, where he made promises to the people of Zamfara to implement policies and programs aimed at reforming the education sector, building and rehabilitating public schools, providing adequate educational facilities, and training/retraining the existing staff to enhance their capacity,” Mr Idris stated. 

Mr Idris said the licenses for all private schools were suspended to “ensure that private schools meet the required standards for providing quality education.” 

Mr Lawal’s administration also paid the tuition fees and allowances of students on scholarships in various countries, including Sudan, Cyprus, and India. 

“ This ensures they can continue their studies without interruption due to debts incurred by the previous government,” Mr Idris said. 

The governor’s aide also said the state government had begun constructing and renovating 245 schools across the 14 local government areas of the state. 

The government provided two-seater desks for pupils and students, totalling 9,542 across 14 local government areas. It also equipped the constructed and renovated 245 schools with 619 tables and 926 chairs for teachers. 

Also, all teachers and education managers in the state are set to receive subject-specific training and retraining. 

Mr Lawal and his deputy, Mani Mumuni Mudi, were sworn in on May 29, 2023, with promises to ensure total overhauling and revamping of the state’s educational sector.