By Abbas Bamalli
A non-profit group, Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), has decried the inadequate funding of the education sector by the Katsina State Government.
Mr Abdulrahman Abdullahi, the Chairman of the coalition, revealed this while briefing newsmen in Katsina on Tuesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the coalition’s leadership addressed newsmen on the assessment of Gov. Dikko Radda’s two years in office.
According to Abdullahi, education sector in the state remains underfunded, with implications on infrastructure, learning instructional materials, teacher training, and curriculum development.
He stated that there were allegations of salary stoppage for some teachers under the Local Education Authorities (LEAs), which he said, had obnoxiously demoralised personnel and affected productivity.
“Many schools operate in unsafe and overcrowded environments, lacking basic amenities such as water, sanitation, and electricity.
“Many public Secondary Schools still lack functional computer laboratories.
“In some cases, computers are available but outdated, not connected to power, or used less frequently due to lack of qualified ICT teachers.
“Students in rural areas are disproportionately affected.
“Many have never used a computer before sitting for Computer-based JAMB examination, resulting in low performance, not necessarily due to lack of knowledge, but due to unfamiliarity with the exam format and time management using a computer.
“Also, there is little or no formal, state-supported CBT training in public schools and most students cannot afford private tutorial centres that offer such training,” according to the coalitions chairman.
He further revealed that many teachers were not adequately trained to teach digital skills, further compounding the problem.
Abdullahi said that the stoppage in the involvement of School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) in the implementation of AGILE projects through direct labour was also a great challenge.
According to him, this has become an issue which really affects the accountability, ownership and sustainability of the project.
He, however, said that the continued school rehabilitation projects and recruitment of new teachers especially in basic education by the governor was commendable.
“The state government has continued to pay examination fees for final year students in public schools, a move that had increased completion rates and reduced dropout among low income families in the state.
“The engagement with development partners has helped in improving learning outcomes through major renovation, including improved boarding facilities and laboratories,” Abdullahi said.
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