Victoria Mbangwa
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has launched the second phase of a four-year initiative aimed at addressing teacher shortages and improving the quality of education in Kastina state.
The project, titled Expand, Integrate and Strengthen Systems (EISS) to Build Teachers’ Capacity and Resilience in Katsina State, seeks to train 20,000 teachers across six states, including Katsina, Adamawa, Plateau, Oyo, Enugu, and Bayelsa.
The Initiative is designed to strengthen teacher education, enhance resilience in fragile educational settings, and bridge gaps in learning accessibility, particularly in underserved communities.
Speaking at the launch event held at the Katsina Government House, UNESCO’s Representative to Nigeria, Albert Mendy, emphasized the project’s focus on long-term educational reforms.
“The objectives of this project are to review, strengthen and implement education policies and programmes by addressing teacher shortage and work conditions.
“It will also reinforce and support individual teacher capacities by developing an expanded teacher programme with a focus on resilience in fragile context, and build better teacher connections to their students and colleagues in the communities.” He stated.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda underscored the project’s alignment with his administration’s commitment to inclusive and quality education.
“Through this project, we seek to expand access to quality education for all, particularly in the rural and underserved areas, improve teachers’ training and curriculum development to meet global standards.” He said. He further assured that the state government would provide policy support, institutional backing, and resources to sustain the project’s objectives.
To facilitate smooth implementation, Governor Radda directed the state Ministry of Education to provide office accommodation for project staff and inaugurated a Project Steering Committee led by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Zainab Musawa.
With a focus on teacher training, curriculum improvement, and expanding access to education in rural areas, the EU-UNESCO initiative marks a crucial step toward strengthening the state’s educational foundation and ensuring a more inclusive learning environment for future generations.
