KANO — In a landmark ceremony that underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to educational reform, the Minister of Education Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa has formally handed over appointment letters to 4,900 newly hired teachers and 3,688 BESDA Cohort V Facilitators in Kano State, declaring that “no reform can succeed without quality educators at its centre.”
Addressing thousands of guests, beneficiaries and stakeholders at the event, Dr Alausa stressed that teachers bear the greatest responsibility in the nation, as they mould the next generation and directly influence Nigeria’s trajectory of progress.
“You are the most important people in our society,” the Minister told the new hires. “If we have good teachers teaching Nigerian children, we will produce very good students. Please take your time, love them, nurture them and teach them well. That is how we can derive full value from the opportunities that the Governor has given you.”
He challenged the educators to live up to the trust placed in them through hard work, integrity and outstanding classroom delivery, reminding them that “much is given, much is expected.”
Historic Recruitment Drive
Dr Alausa described the latest recruitment as historic, noting that the Yusuf administration has hired 16,000 teachers in just three years—what he called one of the boldest state-level education interventions in recent memory.
“In some states, no single teacher has been recruited in decades,” the Minister observed. “Here in Kano, the Governor has employed 16,000 teachers in just three years. This is what human capital development looks like. These are investments that will produce responsible citizens who will serve Kano State, Nigeria and the world.”
In a press statement issued by Ikharo Attah, Special Adviser to the Minister on Media and Communications, Dr Alausa lauded Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for prioritising education, pointing to the state’s decision to commit 32 percent of its annual budget to the sector as proof of visionary leadership and investment in people.
Smart Schools and Infrastructure Push
Earlier, Dr Alausa toured the Tarda Smart School in Ungogo Local Government Area, where he restated Abuja’s commitment to scaling tech-powered classrooms nationwide, calling smart schools a key pillar of Nigeria’s education upgrade. He noted that digital learning spaces will give pupils the skills needed to thrive in the 21st century.
The Minister’s itinerary also included a visit to Bayero University, Kano, before he commissioned the newly constructed Government Girls Secondary School, Dangwaro—a facility designed to expand opportunities for girls and strengthen secondary education in the state.
Dr Alausa also applauded the Governor’s wider development drive, including the overhaul of city roads and the rollout of solar-powered streetlights across Kano, stating these projects showed an administration in step with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The future of Nigeria is bright,” the Minister added. “Kano State has aligned fully with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s development agenda, and the progress we have witnessed here demonstrates what is possible when leadership places education and people at the centre of governance.”
Governor’s Vision for Education
In his address, Governor Yusuf described the issuance of letters as a turning point in Kano’s education reform, insisting the exercise was about more than jobs—it was about safeguarding the future of millions of children whose dreams depend on access to good teaching.
He explained that bringing in 4,900 permanent teachers alongside 3,688 BESDA Cohort V Facilitators reflected his government’s resolve to ensure every classroom has qualified, capable and dedicated instructors who can deliver real learning outcomes.
The Governor called education the foundation of his administration’s agenda and insisted that every child deserves quality instruction and a supportive learning environment to reach their full potential.
Governor Yusuf thanked President Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Education for their backing, and acknowledged Dr Alausa, the Honourable Minister of State for Education Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, and development partners for working with Kano to strengthen the sector.
Dr Alausa closed by pledging that the Federal Ministry of Education will continue collaborating with states, partners and stakeholders to raise teaching standards, expand modern learning facilities, and fast-track reforms aimed at delivering fair, inclusive and globally competitive education under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
