Recently, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has urged public school teachers who were unwillingly posted to promptly resign. This call came as N4.05 billion grants were disbursed to 150 selected primary schools as part of the “Transforming Education System at State Level (TESS)” program.
The initiative, launched at Shagumba Primary School in Batagarawa Local Government Area, demonstrates Governor Radda’s dedication to addressing education sector challenges.
Governor Radda clarified that the selected schools were chosen based on specific criteria including the extent of disrepair, the number of students in nearby communities, and the lack of water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities.
Under the TESS program, School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) are responsible for overseeing the prudent use of allocated funds. Governor Radda urged these committees to ensure transparency and efficient utilization of the grants for their intended purposes.
In response to concerns about the recruitment of public school teachers, the governor’s directive mandates those who rejected postings to resign, creating opportunities for eager candidates waiting for appointments. He stressed the importance of teacher punctuality and urged the education authorities to ensure teachers attend lessons promptly.
Governor Radda issued a stern warning against insubordination and emphasized a zero-tolerance approach to teachers and staff neglecting their duties without valid reasons.
To further engage the community, the governor encouraged education stakeholders, especially community members, to regularly visit schools, monitor lesson delivery, assess teacher attendance, and report incidents of truancy or absenteeism.
Binta Abdulmumini, the coordinator of TESS, expressed confidence in the program’s potential to reintegrate out-of-school children in Katsina back into the educational system. She noted that the governor’s multifaceted approach signifies a determined effort to improve the quality of education and address issues hindering the state’s educational progress.