Malam Dikko Radda, PhD: A Champion of Education - by Malam Kabir Abdullahi Yantumaki

Education is the most effective key to unlocking the potential of every individual and society. It is the foundation of human development, economic growth, and social progress. Education is also a fundamental human right that should be accessible to all, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion or location.

However, in many parts of Nigeria, especially in the northern region, education faces many challenges, such as inadequate infrastructure, insufficient funding, poor quality, low enrolment, high dropout rates, and gender disparities. These challenges have been exacerbated by the dearth of teachers. It has been well-documented that one of the most serious challenges facing education in Nigeria is teacher shortage. Teacher shortage means that there are not enough qualified and trained teachers to meet the demand for education at primary and secondary levels. The teacher shortage has weighty negative impacts on students, teachers and society as a whole.

First, teacher shortage harms students’ learning outcomes and opportunities. When there are not enough teachers, class sizes increase, which reduces the quality of instruction and interaction between teachers and students. Large class sizes also make it very difficult for teachers to manage student behaviour, provide feedback and differentiate instruction according to student’s needs and abilities. Moreover, when there are not enough teachers, some subjects or courses may not be offered or taught adequately, which limits students’ exposure to a broad and balanced curriculum. Furthermore, when there are not enough teachers, some students may not have access to education at all, especially in rural or remote areas where schools are inadequate or understaffed.

Second, teacher shortage affects teachers’ well-being and professionalism. When there are not enough teachers, teachers have to take on more work and responsibilities, such as covering for absent colleagues, teaching multiple subjects or grades, or supervising extracurricular activities. This increases teachers’ workload and stress levels, which can lead to burnout, dissatisfaction and attrition. When there are not enough teachers, teachers also have less time and opportunities for professional development, collaboration, and recognition. This lowers teachers’ morale and motivation, which can affect their performance and commitment.

Third, teacher shortage undermines the education system and social development. When there are not enough teachers, the education system cannot provide quality and equitable education for all children, which is a fundamental human right and a key goal of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Similarly, when there are not enough teachers, the education system also fails to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, such as innovation, creativity, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and citizenship. Again, when there are not enough teachers, the education system also loses its potential to contribute to the economic growth and social

In this context, the Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, Ph. D., has shown remarkable leadership and commitment to improving the education sector in his state. Since he assumed office in May 2023, he has embarked on several initiatives and policies that aim to enhance the quality and access of education for all Katsina citizens. One of the most notable initiatives of Governor Radda is the recent recruitment of 7,325 new teachers into the Katsina Civil Service. This landmark recruitment effort is the most massive recruitment ever in the education sector throughout the history of Katsina State. It is a big step towards addressing the acute shortage of qualified teachers in the state, especially in rural areas where many schools lack sufficient staff.

Another commendable effort is that the recruitment process was not only transparent but merit-based, involving an aptitude examination conducted by an ad hoc committee. The candidates underwent screening in four distinct categories: S-Power primary school teachers, S-Power secondary school teachers, newly recruited teachers, and part-time voluntary teachers for secondary schools. To improve the quality of the newly employed teachers, Malam Dikko directed a refresher training programme for them to ensure they are well-prepared for their roles in the teaching profession. Upon the conclusion of the training programme.

The newly employed teachers will be posted to their respective Local Government Areas of origin, which will help to reduce the cost of transportation and accommodation for them and their families. It will also foster a sense of belonging and community among the teachers and their students. It is worth noting that the recruitment of 7,325 new teachers is not only a boost for the education sector in Katsina state but also a source of employment and empowerment for thousands of young graduates who have been seeking job opportunities to contribute to the development of their State and the country in general.

For this extraordinary gesture, Malam Dikko deserves commendation and appreciation for his visionary and pragmatic approach to tackling one of the most pressing issues facing education not only in Katsina State but in Nigeria as a whole. He has also demonstrated that he is a champion of education who understands its importance, value and impact on the present and future generations.

In all, I hope that other State Governors and leaders will emulate Malam Dikko's classical example and invest more resources and efforts into improving the education sector in their respective states and regions. In the same vein, I also urge the Federal Government to support and collaborate with the State Governments to ensure that every Nigerian child has access to quality education that will enable them to achieve their life dreams and aspirations. I also hope that the Governor’s effort will be recognized and appreciated both at State, Federal or global levels, as he has set a high standard for other leaders to follow. He has proven that with political will and dedication, anything is possible and nothing is impossible. He has made Katsina State and Nigeria proud.