‘Sokoto’s state of emergency on education yielding fruits’

The state of emergency imposed on education in Sokoto State is beginning to pay off, particularly at the basic education level, investigations have revealed.

This follows the introduction of two redesigned publications: ‘Let’s Read’ and ‘Mu Karanta’ text books that seek to improve reading and general learning process of pupils in primary one to three.

The government under the Northern Education Initiative in collaboration with USAID as a development partner, rolled out the books for distribution to primary schools to further demonstrate its vision for sound basic and quality education among pupils across the state.

The development is inspiring heads teachers to ensure proper and strict supervision of teaching and learning. This is sequel to the government’s prompt response to reposition, especially the basic and junior secondary schools (JSS), through active commitment of teaching personnel and proper administration.

Schools are cooperating with the government by ensuring teachers and pupils are complying with the government’s directive.

A survey on one of the schools, Lugu Primary School in Wamakko Local Government revealed that supervision of teachers as well as attendance of pupils were effectively carried out.

A source in the school, who spoke under anonymity, said: “Teachers report to the office of the head teacher first thing in the morning with lesson plans for scrutiny and certification before taking classes on respective subjects.

“During lesson hours, head teachers make it a duty to go round and ensure that teachers are in their classes and doing the right thing.”

Similarly, a female English teacher, who pleaded not to be mentioned, said the introduction of the books had helped to improve pupils’ reading and grammar.

“Before this development, most of the pupils cannot speak, read or form a word in English; but now over 40 per cent of them can do that, including writing their names. This initiative has boost their morale, especially with the drawing signs in the book making it interesting and easier for them to learn and understand.

Also, a Hausa Language teacher told The Nation that in the past, it was difficult for the pupils to even read and arrange alphabets into words in Hausa dialect. Now even a primary three pupil can write a short letter in Hausa,’’ he said.

However, while lauding government on the stride, teachers are hoping that the authority would also consider their welfare, promotion and increment.

Source: Thenationonlineng