Gov. Lawal approves 120-day rapid intervention plan to tackle education crisis in Zamfara

The Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, has approved a 120-day Rapid Intervention Action Plan aimed at addressing long-standing challenges and systemic failures in the state’s education sector.

The approval was given during the 65th State Executive Council meeting, which the governor chaired on Monday at the Zamfara State Government House in Gusau.

The meeting reviewed key policy issues affecting education, health, infrastructure, and other critical sectors. According to a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the council endorsed a comprehensive plan designed to deliver quick, measurable improvements in the education system.

The 120-day rapid intervention plan builds on findings from diagnostic reviews conducted by the Ministry of Education and the state’s Education Quality Assurance Agency (EQAA). The plan, presented by the supervising Commissioner for Education, Abdulmalik Abubakar Gajam, proposes urgent reforms in several key areas including governance, school infrastructure, digital systems, teacher development, and student welfare.

As part of the plan, the government will conduct payroll audits, school mapping exercises, and infrastructure assessments. It also includes targeted, time-bound interventions aimed at improving efficiency and accountability within the sector.

The Council further approved the creation of a joint committee to assess illegal and unapproved structures around schools across the state. The committee, led by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, is expected to recommend the removal or relocation of such structures to enhance school safety and security.

In addition, the Executive Council approved the development of a single, unified Education Sector Bill covering early childhood through tertiary education. The proposed legislation, developed in consultation with stakeholders including civil society groups, traditional rulers, and development partners, will be submitted to the state legislature for passage within the emergency period.

Governor Lawal also approved the transfer of non-teaching personnel—such as messengers, gardeners, drivers, security guards, artisans, and health workers—from the Ministry of Education’s payroll to more appropriate ministries, departments, agencies, or private contractors to streamline operations.

The Council also endorsed the establishment of the Zamfara State Steering Committee on the State of Emergency in Education. The committee has been mandated to constitute a Technical Working Group and work with key stakeholders including the Nigeria Union of Teachers, United Nations Children’s Fund, the Universal Basic Education Commission, traditional and religious leaders, private school proprietors, and civil society organisations.

The government said the intervention plan underscores its commitment to reversing the decline in education standards and improving learning outcomes across the state.