The commitment of Governor Malam Umar Namadi's administration to repositioning Jigawa State's education sector is well known. However, the new approach, which stands in stark contrast to the old system marred by nepotism and parochial sentiments in recruiting education managers and implementing policy, has become a significant subject of public discussion.
Prioritising educator competency marks a decisive departure from past practices, where teacher recruitment and the appointment of education managers were often politicised; similarly, contracts for school infrastructure were usually prioritised over the delivery of quality education.
The recent recruitment of Local Education Secretaries by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) is the latest exercise where competency was prioritised over political or regional interests.
In the past, appointments and recruitments were driven by selfish interests, with little regard for due process or competence. This ultimately contributed to what has been termed "learning poverty" in the state.
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These new competency-based measures have placed SUBEB's Executive Chairman, Professor Haruna Musa, at the centre of criticism. Some detractors describe him as overly rigid.
Others, however, view him as someone determined to build a solid foundation of Foundational Learning Skills, which is crucial for developing the next generation and achieving sustainable growth in the state.
During the recruitment of approximately 8,000 teachers (both permanent and temporary), the Chairman emphasised the importance of competency and due process. He faced resistance from those who had benefited from the old system of favouritism, which came at the expense of the state's educational future.
Professor Haruna succeeded in overcoming this self-centred opposition with the backing of Governor Namadi, who emphasises professionalism, competency, and transparency in public service.
Under the new reduction overhaul exercise, the state government plans to conduct massive teacher training to improve the skills of serving teachers in line with the latest reforms.
To ensure tailored training, the state introduced a preliminary test requiring every teacher to register. Over 9,600 SUBEB teachers registered for this competency test, designed to determine the specific training needed to improve their skills and enhance teaching outcomes.
This system was initially met with controversy and public anxiety over fears of retrenchment.
However, in his clarification, Professor Haruna stated that the project "was not about retrenchment." He emphasised that the primary goal is to enhance teachers' capacity for better learning outcomes within the state's basic education sector.
He explained that the government, under Governor Namadi's "12-Point Agenda," is committed to repositioning education as a foundation for sustainable development. While significant resources have been invested in infrastructure, meaningful learning improvement cannot occur without also enhancing teacher capabilities.
"Out of the 9,600 teachers registered for the exam, over 70% have never attended any capacity-building training since their employment--some with over 15 years of service," the Chairman added.
He stated that post-exam, teachers would be categorised into three groups:
- Group A: Those with both knowledge and teaching skills. Group B: Those with knowledge but lacking teaching skills. Group C: Those lacking both knowledge and teaching skills.
According to him, each group will receive specialised training. Group C will undergo intensive training and follow-up examinations. Those with slower learning uptake will be attached to competent teachers within their schools for ongoing mentorship.
On Tuesday, 13th January 2026, Professor Haruna opened a four-day training and induction course for the 27 newly recruited Local Government Education Secretaries.
These candidates succeeded through a transparent, merit-based process that began with 1,156 applicants and included a Computer-Based Test, a written exam, and a personal interview.
At the training, Prof. Haruna noted that any policy aimed at improving basic education would be futile without competent local managers to implement it.
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He described LEA Secretaries as key to achieving meaningful transformation and expressed pride in the due process followed in their recruitment.
"Our main target is to bring qualified people on board who can add value in our quest to reform basic education, improve foundational skills, and enhance learning outcomes," he stated.
The successful candidates demonstrated pride and enthusiasm during the training, ready to work towards reforming the state's education sector.
This exercise proves that society is blessed with competent individuals capable of performing credibly. The main challenge has often been a lack of leadership and political will to bring them on board.
It is important to note that while everyone desires positive transformation, people are often reluctant to transform themselves unless encouraged or compelled by authority.
In pursuing reforms for the collective public interest, the Jigawa State government shall continue to impose competence and good virtue without fear or favour, as it is sworn to uphold.
