Abayomi Susan
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has signed a series of landmark Executive Orders aimed at overhauling the state’s education sector through a comprehensive framework covering school governance, funding, quality assurance, safety, health, and security.
The governor also officially flagged off the distribution of the National Curriculum to public schools during a high-level meeting with education stakeholders held on Tuesday at the Government House in Gusau.
According to a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the wide-ranging reforms are designed to strengthen the administration and delivery of education across the state.
The Executive Orders introduce new policies on school governance and operations, education financing, school feeding programmes, student welfare, transportation safety, implementation of safe-school protocols, and the regulation of graduation ceremonies.
Other key reforms include the introduction of unified examinations, improved school health services, merit-based appointments for school administrators, inclusive education initiatives, and increased emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), as well as digital learning.
Speaking during the event, Governor Lawal reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the education sector, describing education as a critical driver of sustainable development.
“Education is far more than a social service. It is the most powerful instrument for reducing poverty, promoting peace, strengthening security, stimulating economic growth and preparing future generations to compete in an increasingly knowledge-driven world,” the governor said.
He explained that the newly signed Executive Orders represent a coordinated strategy rather than isolated policy directives.
“Today, we are translating that commitment into concrete institutional reforms by signing and presenting these Executive Orders. Together, they provide a comprehensive governance framework to strengthen school administration, improve accountability, safeguard public educational assets, enhance financing, promote safety, raise educational standards, improve learning outcomes and prepare our children for the demands of the twenty-first century,” he added.
Governor Lawal observed that previous education reforms largely focused on infrastructure development, stressing that quality education requires much more than constructing classrooms and laboratories.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Abdulmalik Abubakar Gajam, underscored the importance of collective responsibility in building a strong education system.
According to him, meaningful and sustainable education reforms can only be achieved through collaboration among government, teachers, parents, communities, traditional institutions, development partners and the private sector.
“These reforms will not remain mere policy documents. They will translate into safer schools, stronger governance, healthier learners, improved teaching standards, better educational outcomes and renewed public confidence in our education system,” Gajam said.
The reforms signal the Zamfara State Government’s determination to reposition the education sector through improved governance, accountability and inclusive policies that will equip learners with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.
