UK-Funded PLANE Programme Partners with Kaduna Schools to Boost Learning Skills

In a bid to address declining learning outcomes in Kaduna State, the UK-funded Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE) has partnered with the state government to improve primary school education standards. During a data dissemination workshop held at Hotel 17, Mrs. Diana Agabi, PLANE’s State Team Lead for Kaduna, highlighted the urgency of addressing literacy challenges faced by primary school pupils.

Agabi revealed that many students in Primary 1 and 2 struggle to meet basic literacy benchmarks, often unable to recognize letters or words. She urged the Kaduna State Government to prioritize consistent teacher attendance, particularly in rural areas, where absenteeism remains a significant issue. She attributed the problem to logistical challenges faced by teachers from southern regions, including high transportation costs and family separation, which limit their classroom presence to just a few weeks per term.

To counter these challenges, PLANE has implemented several initiatives in partnership with the Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). These include:

Training 1,758 Primary 4 teachers in inclusive instruction and Gender Equality and Social Inclusion.

Distributing teaching and learning materials to 698 schools.

Developing evidence-based English literacy packages and braille resources to support inclusive education.

Prof. Muhammad Bello, Kaduna State’s Commissioner for Education, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing education quality through data-driven decision-making. Represented by Abbas Shehu, Director of Planning, Bello praised the PLANE project as a vital step toward achieving better learning outcomes.

Dr. Jamil Haruna, a permanent member of SUBEB, called on community members to actively protect schools and support the development of primary education in their communities.

The collaboration between PLANE and Kaduna State authorities highlights a shared dedication to improving educational standards and ensuring equitable access to quality learning opportunities for all children.