UNICEF Commends Kaduna’s Bold Education Reforms, Calls for More Investment in Teachers, Infrastructure

By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna

UNICEF’s Chief of Education for Nigeria, Vanessa Lee, has lauded the Kaduna State government for its robust efforts in transforming the education sector, describing its progress as inspiring and a model for other states in Nigeria.

Lee, who is in Kaduna for the ongoing two-day International Education Summit, KADAEduPact 2025, made this commendation on Thursday during a field visit to several schools benefiting from UNICEF-supported interventions.

Her visit included stops at Government Junior Secondary School, Kakuri, a pilot school for the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) program, Alhuda Charity Islamiya School, Kwaru, Badarawa (an integrated Quranic school), and LGEA Primary School, Lokoja Road, Rigasa.

During the visits, Lee expressed her enthusiasm for the state’s progress, highlighting the noticeable enthusiasm and dedication of teachers, which she described as crucial for improving children’s learning outcomes.

“Kaduna has many good teachers who are motivated and enthusiastic, which is critical for effective learning,” Lee said.

However, Lee also identified areas requiring urgent attention, including infrastructure, availability of textbooks, and adequate classroom furniture.

She commended the state government’s plan to scale up innovative teaching initiatives such as TaRL and early childhood programs. 

In particular, she praised the state’s adoption of models like the learning lab, which focuses on teachers’ professional development, and the use of radio programs to teach basic literacy and numeracy in integrated Quranic schools.

Lee emphasized the importance of a digitalized data system in supporting decision-making and improving education outcomes across the state.

“I am excited to hear about special classes designed for children who have not been to school. These classes aim to bring them back into the education system, which is a significant step forward,” she noted.

Lee suggested that every school in Kaduna could adopt the model of a one-year special literacy and numeracy program to help reintegrate out-of-school children.

Speaking during the visit, Mubarak Muhammad, Acting Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (KADSUBEB), reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive education.

Muhammad discussed ongoing efforts to integrate formal education into Islamiyah schools to ensure no child is left behind, noting the close collaboration with UNICEF to deliver basic literacy and numeracy skills.

He revealed that he had recently presented to the State Executive Council, advocating for the integration of TaRL into the formal school curriculum as a strategy to address learning poverty.

“Radio-recorded lessons are being used three times a week to complement Quranic education. TaRL, a remediation program adopted by the Kaduna State government, has shown remarkable success in improving learning outcomes among pupils,” he said.

Muhammad explained that TaRL is currently implemented in nine local government areas, targeting Primary 4 to 6 learners, with plans to extend the program to junior secondary schools.

“The program has demonstrated significant improvements, with noticeable progress in just eight weeks,” Muhammad added.

He stressed the importance of scaling up such initiatives to reach more children across the state and reaffirmed KADSUBEB’s commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment.

“We are determined to ensure every child has access to quality basic education, working closely with educators, partners, and stakeholders to build a strong foundation for Kaduna’s future,” he said.

Phibi Audu, Principal of Government Junior Secondary School Kakuri, one of the TaRL pilot schools shared her school’s experience with the program.

“Before TaRL was introduced, many of our students who came from primary school could not even identify letters,” Audu said. “Now, just eight weeks into the program, we are seeing significant improvements in both students’ confidence and performance.”

She commended both the state government and UNICEF for supporting innovative interventions that directly address foundational learning gaps.

As Kaduna State continues its push to improve education outcomes, UNICEF’s endorsement of its strategies offers a strong boost to the government’s reform agenda.

Lee’s visit and her constructive feedback underscored the need for continuous investment in teacher training, infrastructure, and learning resources to complement the government’s ongoing efforts.

With renewed commitment from both local and international partners, Kaduna State appears poised to set a new standard for basic education delivery in Nigeria, ensuring that no child is left behind and every learner has the chance to succeed.