Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara state has approved a 120-day Rapid Intervention Action Plan aimed at tackling deep-rooted challenges in Zamfara State’s education sector.
The decision was announced following a State Executive Council meeting chaired by the governor on Monday at the Government House in Gusau, where key issues across education, health, and other sectors were განხvened and approved.
According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, the council endorsed the emergency education plan as part of deliberations during its 65th meeting under the current administration. The plan builds on earlier assessments conducted by the Ministry of Education and the Education Quality Assurance Agency.
Presenting the proposal, the overseeing Commissioner for Education, Abdulmalik Abubakar Gajam outlined measures including payroll audits, school mapping, and infrastructure assessments. The initiative also targets reforms in governance, digital transformation, teacher development, and student welfare through time-bound interventions.
In a related move, the council approved the establishment of a joint committee to identify and address illegal or unapproved structures around schools. The committee, to be led by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, is expected to relocate such structures and enhance the safety of school environments.
The council also gave its nod to a unified Education Sector Bill covering Early Childhood Care Development and Education through tertiary level. The proposed legislation, developed in consultation with key stakeholders including civil society organisations, traditional rulers, and development partners, will be forwarded to the State House of Assembly for expedited consideration.
Additionally, the governor approved the transfer of non-teaching staff—such as messengers, gardeners, and drivers—from the education ministry’s payroll to relevant government departments or private firms.
As part of broader efforts, the council sanctioned the creation of a State Steering Committee on the State of Emergency in Education. The committee is mandated to establish a Technical Working Group and collaborate with stakeholders including the Nigeria Union of Teachers, UNICEF, the Universal Basic Education Commission, and other partners.
The measures form part of the administration’s strategy to address systemic weaknesses and reposition the education sector in Zamfara State.