September 19, (THEWILL) — Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has directed the immediate recruitment of 2,616 qualified teachers to address the high teacher-to-pupil ratio in public primary schools across the state.
The governor also confirmed the absorption of 4,315 former Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) volunteer teachers into the state civil service as permanent and pensionable workers.
The BESDA programme, a World Bank-supported initiative in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, was aimed at boosting literacy, improving access for out-of-school children, and strengthening accountability in basic education.
It was discontinued under the previous administration of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Speaking during the official presentation of appointment letters to the absorbed teachers, Yusuf said the move aligned with his government’s declaration of a state of emergency in education.
“Today’s event is an unmistakable indication of our solid commitment to addressing challenges in the education sector.
“Since inception, we have worked tirelessly to ensure every school in Kano is functional, conducive, and capable of delivering quality education,” the governor said.
He added that the new recruitment would help achieve and maintain the prescribed teacher-to-pupil ratio, while directing the Ministry of Education and relevant agencies to intensify monitoring and ensure proper utilisation of resources.
Yusuf urged the teachers to see their roles as extending beyond the classroom, stressing the need to build character, instill values, and uphold ethical standards among pupils.
Commissioner for Education, Dr. Haruna Ali Makoda, praised the recent performance of Kano candidates in the 2025 NECO SSCE, attributing it to improved infrastructure and funding under the Yusuf administration.
Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, Alhaji Yusuf Kabir, also charged the new teachers to justify the government’s confidence in them and work as a united team.
Abdullahi Yusuf is a seasoned journalist, communicator and was previously the Deputy Editor-In-Chief and Zonal Manager, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Jos, where he retired on December 15, 2021
