CALL FOR URGENT HOUSEKEEPING IN OUR EDUCATION SECTOR

 CALL FOR URGENT HOUSEKEEPING IN OUR EDUCATION SECTOR

By Tijjani Sarki


In the spirit of patriotism and deep commitment to our children’s future, I find it necessary to echo  and amplify  the crucial points raised by Comrade Malam Aminu Mohammed Yahaya in his well-articulated piece, “The Efforts of Kano State Government on the Declaration of a State of Emergency on Education Can Never Be Sabotaged.” His words are timely, yet the realities on the ground demand even greater urgency and collective vigilance.


Indeed, the Declaration of a State of Emergency on Education by His Excellency, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, stands as a historic and patriotic intervention, a visionary move to revive a system long battered by years of neglect, corruption, and administrative decay. As someone who has consistently championed reforms and accountability in education, I must sound a note of caution, if we do not urgently address the underlying issues of poor governance, favoritism, and administrative disorder, this noble mission risks derailment.



THE HIDDEN DANGERS BEHIND ADMINISTRATIVE NEGLECT

The preferential posting of teachers and principals, as rightly highlighted by Comrade Aminu, is far more than a mere bureaucratic flaw,  it is a time bomb planted in the very foundation of our education system. When merit is sacrificed for influence, the soul of education suffers. Such practices breed mediocrity, destroy morale, and drive away the very teachers who carry the torch of knowledge.


At GGSS Zawaciki, for instance, the distressing episode involving the abrupt change of leadership within just forty days is both shocking and painful. The resulting tension, poor collaboration, and waning trust among teachers are not isolated administrative concerns  they represent a betrayal of the collective dream to restore dignity and excellence to our schools. Leadership failures of this nature can undo years of progress within mere months.


THE RISKS OF POOR HOUSEKEEPING IN THE MINISTRY

Equally worrisome is the state of disarray within certain departments and agencies of the Ministry of Education. Lack of standardized data, missing records, and negligent management of student information have created cracks in the credibility of our educational system. When records vanish and results go missing, the integrity of our schools is questioned, and the future of our children is placed in jeopardy.


This is not a new call. I have, through multiple writings and advocacy papers, consistently emphasized the need for internal housekeeping as the first step to educational renewal. These include:


1. “Celebrating Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s Passion for Education: A Visionary Approach for Development” April 23, 2025.



2. “The Kano State Education Recovery Conference, Themed: ‘Repositioning Education in Kano State,Navigating the Path to Excellence’ Our Expectations” July 8, 2024.



3. “NECO 2025: A Triumph for Kano’s Children, A Challenge for the Future” September 18, 2025.



4. “World Teachers’ Day 2024: Valuing Teacher Voices for a New Social Contract in Education.”



5. “A Bold Vision for Educational Transformation in Kano State: Applauding Governor Abba Yusuf’s Far-Reaching Reforms”  May 12, 2025.



In each of these works, I have reiterated the same urgent truth, that a ministry incapable of managing its internal affairs cannot effectively manage thousands of schools under its jurisdiction. Proper auditing, transparent record-keeping, and merit-based administration must become our new national culture in education governance.



A CALL TO ZAWACIKI AND NEIGHBORING COMMUNITIES

The responsibility of rebuilding education does not lie with government alone, it is a sacred duty of every citizen. I therefore call upon all well-meaning residents of Zawaciki town and neighboring communities to rise in patriotic defense of their children’s future.


The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) must awaken from complacency. These are not ceremonial bodies, they are the custodians of transparency, discipline, and accountability at the grassroots level. Let them stand firm and ensure that schools remain sanctuaries of learning, not arenas of favoritism or personal ego.


If we remain silent while incompetence thrives, we risk betraying not only the vision of His Excellency but also the hopes of generations yet unborn.



IN CONCLUSION


Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s reforms are a patriotic mission  a renaissance in the making. Yet, even the most visionary policies can be undermined by carelessness, favoritism, or poor administrative housekeeping. Every misplaced file, every unfair appointment, every unaddressed grievance is a small crack in the great wall of progress we seek to build.


Now, more than ever, is the time for honest reflection, decisive action, and community vigilance. Let every school, every office, every teacher, and every parent embrace the call for discipline, transparency, and integrity.


Only then can we transform the State of Emergency on Education into a State of Excellence in Education a legacy worthy of our children and our beloved Kano State.


Sarki, is Good Governance Advocate and Public Policy analyst.

Write from zawaciki, Kano

26th October,2025

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