UK, UN, UNICEF pledge strong support for education reform in Kaduna

The British Government, United Nations (UN), and UNICEF have pledged to support Kaduna State’s ambitious education reforms aimed at expanding access to quality, inclusive, and modern learning for all children.

The commitment was made during the opening of the EduPACT Summit at Murtala Muhammed Square, Kaduna, where stakeholders gathered to chart a bold course for transforming the state’s education sector under the theme: “Strategic Visioning for Educational Transformation: Developing a Kaduna State Education Model.”

Speaking at the event, UK Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mrs. Gill Lever, reaffirmed the UK’s longstanding partnership with Kaduna, highlighting its co-sponsorship of the summit. She noted that through the UK-funded PLANE programme, Kaduna has made significant progress in foundational learning, teacher quality, and inclusive education.

“We are proud of Kaduna’s efforts to bring out-of-school children back into learning.

“The state’s Mutual Accountability Framework reflects a strong commitment to high-quality, inclusive education for every child,” she said.

UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, praised Kaduna for turning global educational goals into tangible local action.

She commended the state’s focus on reducing barriers and widening access, particularly amid global challenges such as economic pressures, inequality, and climate change.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, lauded the summit as a timely platform to rethink Nigeria’s education model. He aligned Kaduna’s reforms with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI).

“The 40% tuition cut in state tertiary institutions, heavy investment in Kaduna State University, and the $62 million basic education programme are examples of what bold leadership can achieve,” Alausa noted.

He urged leaders to adopt learner-centered, digitally enabled, and resilient education systems that prioritize marginalized groups.

Governor Uba Sani, in his opening remarks, emphasized that education lies at the heart of his administration’s development agenda.

Since assuming office in May 2023, he said, his government has pursued a data-driven, unified approach to reforming the sector.

“We view education not just as a service, but as a tool for social transformation and national development.

“Our goal is a peaceful and prosperous society built on equitable, high-quality education,” Governor Sani said.

He outlined key focus areas including foundational learning, teacher training, digital infrastructure, and inclusive policies that support girls, children with disabilities, nomadic learners, and those in conflict-affected regions.

The summit drew participation from top officials across sectors, including UBEC Executive Secretary Dr. Aisha Garba, UNICEF Nigeria’s Chief of Education Vanessa Lee, and British High Commission Senior Education Adviser Ian Attfield, all of whom reaffirmed their support for Kaduna’s education model as a potential template for other states in Nigeria.