Katsina, Nigeria – The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has launched the second phase of its education initiative to strengthen policies and enhance teachers’ capacity and resilience in Katsina State.
The four-year project, titled Expand, Integrate and Strengthen Systems (EISS) to Build Teachers’ Capacity and Resilience in Katsina State, is funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented in collaboration with the Federal and State Ministries of Education. The initiative extends beyond Katsina, also covering Adamawa, Plateau, Oyo, Enugu, and Bayelsa States, with the goal of training 20,000 teachers across the six states.
Speaking at the official launch held at the Katsina State Government House on Wednesday, UNESCO Representative to Nigeria, Albert Mendy, emphasized the project’s role in addressing educational challenges, including teacher shortages and work conditions.
“The objectives of this project are to review, strengthen, and implement education policies and programmes by addressing teacher shortage and work conditions,” Mendy stated.
He highlighted that the initiative aims to improve teaching quality through enhanced teacher education programs and resilience-building efforts, particularly in fragile contexts.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, while inaugurating the project, expressed his administration’s commitment to supporting its implementation, describing it as a perfect fit for the state’s vision of inclusive and quality education. He assured that Katsina would ensure learning opportunities for all, especially girls, persons with disabilities, and out-of-school children.
“Through this project, we seek to expand access to quality education, particularly in rural and underserved areas, improve teachers’ training, and align curriculum development with global standards,” Radda stated.
He further commended the EU and UNESCO for their continued support in advancing education and social development in the state. To facilitate the project’s smooth execution, the governor directed the state Ministry of Education to provide office space for the project staff and inaugurated a Project Steering Committee, led by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Zainab Musawa, to oversee its implementation.
The initiative is expected to make a significant impact on the education sector in Katsina and other participating states by fostering sustainable teacher development and improving overall learning outcomes.