Expert Blames Northern Leaders for Region's Educational Backwardness

Reading and Numeracy Activity (RANA), a Department for International Development (DFID) project, on Wednesday blamed northern leaders for their lack of serious commitment to the development of primary education in the region.


The Project Coordinator of RANA, Dr. Mikhail Ibrahim, made this known at a reading festival organised for primary school pupils on reading and numeracy activity in Gusau, Zamfara State.


He noted that due to lack of commitment of Northern leaders and support to basic education, the region has remained backward in education and this poses challenges for its development.


The project Coordinator said it was in view of the need to redress the ugly trend, that RANA initiated a three-year  programme for using mother tongue as language of instruction in primary 1-3 in Zamfara and Katsina states. 


According to him, the project is designed for public primary schools with the goal of improving literacy and numeracy outcomes for learners, especially girls by developing Hausa language teaching and learning materials, build teacher capacity, mobilise communities as well as engage local government councils.


"The RANA programme will bring a sustainable direction for the improvement of child’s knowledge through the use of mother tongue towards improvement in literacy. 


"The programme  is approximately affecting 200 schools that will involve 5000 children and   800 teachers and head teachers from Katsina and Zamfara states,"he said.


He described Zamfara state as  role model in ensuring the success of reading and numeracy for learners in primary 1-3 in the federation. 


Ibrahim to this end, commended the Zamfara state government for creating awareness and strengthening the activities of reading culture among pupils in primary schools in the state.


Speaking at the occasion, Chairman of the Zamfara State Universal Basic Education Board, (ZSUBEB)Alhaji Murtala Jangebe,  commended the efforts of the  initiators of RANA programme, partners and banks for their sacrifice and commitment to the improvement of child literacy.


 Jangebe said the Board was committed in ensuring the success of the RANA programme and its continuation towards  the improvement of primary education and service delivery in the state.


In his remarks,  Executive Secretary of Universal Basic Education Commission(UBEC), Abuja,  Dr. Hammed Bobboyi, applauded the initiators of the competition and assured of UBEC's  commitment and support towards achieving the success of the programme aimed at improving the quality of education among children in Zamfara state.


At the state level reading festival, participants of the competition include children between the ages of 9-13, who received cash, cups and other valuable gifts.


 Nasmatu Aminu from Gusau local government area received the overall gift after defeating many contestants to clinch the first position.