An open letter to Katsina State Governor, Umar Dikko Radda, by K.I. El-Kalash
It was a piece of heart-wrenching news when I read in one of the National Dailies that the recent results from the National Examinations Council (NECO) indicated that the Secondary School Students in Katsina State are the lowest in terms of their performance, highlighting a pressing issue that demands immediate attention by the Katsina State Government.
While it is common knowledge that education is the cornerstone of any society, its challenges can have long-lasting effects on our youth and, by extension, the future of our state. It becomes imperative that we take decisive action to revitalize the education sector of the State.
To achieve this aim, a comprehensive assessment of both the Primary and Secondary schools in the state needs to be conducted, to ascertain the underlying causes of the abysmal performance of the students. Many are aware that factors such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of qualified teachers, recruitment of incompetent teachers, poor remuneration, outdated curricula, and insufficient resources are some of the factors that led to this failure. As such, engaging stakeholders—teachers, parents, and students—will provide valuable insights into the specific challenges faced by our schools.
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Hence, I want to use this medium to suggest to the Executive Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency, Dr. Umaru Dikko Radda, being a PhD holder, to as a matter of urgency, invest heavily in modern infrastructure, teacher training, recruitment, and improved remuneration to teachers, enhance discipline in both the teachers and students, overhaul the curriculum, enhance awareness about the importance of education among communities, and leverage on technology amongst others.
Nonetheless, we should all remember that the future of Katsina State hinges on the education of the upcoming generation of youth. As a PhD holder, I believe His Excellency has the opportunity to lead a transformative initiative that revamps the education sector of Katsina State from the bottom to the top. The challenge is very achievable. Other states have made it and Katsina State can achieve it.
By addressing these critical areas, we can uplift our students, improve academic performance, and foster a brighter future for our state. Immediate action is needed, and I urge you to prioritize these reforms for the benefit of our children and society as a whole. By so doing, I firmly believe that His Excellency would leave a lasting imprint for the sustainable future of the state.
K. I. El-Kalash writes from the Federal University of Education Kontagora and can be reached at maimartabachief@gmail.com.
