Kaduna Deploys Smart Boards as Uba Sani Highlights Education Investments

By Seun Ayeni

The Kaduna State Government has unveiled new education interventions across the state, including the provision of smart boards aimed at strengthening digital learning in public schools.

The intervention was showcased at Sultan Bello Primary School, Unguwan Sarki, Kaduna North Local Government Area, where basic education infrastructure and other projects were inaugurated on Monday.

Governor Uba Sani, represented at the event by Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe, said his administration had treated investment in basic education as a long-term investment in the future of Kaduna children.

According to figures presented by the governor, the administration has constructed or rehabilitated 3,267 classrooms across Kaduna State, alongside 2,232 toilet facilities.

The government also reported providing 180 hand-pump boreholes, 87 science laboratories and 29 computer centres as part of efforts to improve the learning environment and provide pupils with better access to water, science and technology facilities.

The state government further said 81,540 pieces of furniture had been supplied for teachers and pupils, while 545,748 teaching and learning materials had been distributed across schools.

The Forum of Education Secretaries in Kaduna had earlier reported similar figures, adding that 110 smart boards and 7,584 sports equipment had been supplied to schools.

The latest intervention also places greater emphasis on technology in the classroom.

The Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (KADSUBEB) said 18 smart boards were among the items being commissioned in the latest phase of the intervention, with the boards intended to support digital learning.

KADSUBEB Executive Chairman Mubarak Mohammed said the latest package also includes teaching and learning materials, motorcycles and vehicles for quality assurance officers to improve monitoring of schools.

The state government said the wider education programme is being implemented across Kaduna's 23 local government areas, rather than being limited to the school where the commissioning ceremony was held.

Beyond physical infrastructure, the government said 33,137 teachers, head teachers and school support officers had received training covering areas including computer skills, classroom management, literacy, numeracy and school management.

Four bilingual education schools have also been delivered in Igabi, Zaria, Kubau and Giwa local government areas through partnerships involving the Universal Basic Education Commission and the Islamic Development Bank.

The four schools comprise 192 classrooms with capacity for about 7,680 learners, particularly children who are out of school, according to the governor.

The state's Education Commissioner, Abubakar Sambo, also disclosed that the government had approved an increase in the minimum wage for primary school teachers from ₦38,000 to ₦72,000, while ₦548 million was released to address the longstanding Nigeria Union of Teachers Endwell Scheme dispute.

The education interventions come as Kaduna continues to face the broader challenge of improving access, learning outcomes and school infrastructure across its urban and rural communities.

The government says the combination of renovated classrooms, digital learning facilities, teacher training and learning materials is intended to provide Kaduna children with a stronger foundation for future education and employment.