Governor Dauda Lawal has unveiled a far-reaching reform of the education sector in Zamfara State, signing a series of Executive Orders aimed at transforming governance, safety, and learning outcomes across public schools.
The reforms, announced at the Government House Gusau during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting, introduce a comprehensive framework covering education financing, school protection, classification, quality assurance, and student welfare.
According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, the new policies go beyond infrastructure upgrades, targeting the structural and administrative backbone of the education system. Key areas addressed include:
Strengthened school governance and operational standards
Regulation of feeding programmes and student welfare systems
Enhanced transportation safety and safe-school protocols
Oversight of graduation ceremonies and school activities
Introduction of unified examinations across the state
The administration also announced the distribution of the national curriculum to public schools, signaling a move toward standardised and improved teaching delivery.
Focus on Modern Learning and Inclusion
The reform package places strong emphasis on forward-looking education models, including:
Expansion of STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
Promotion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)
Integration of digital learning systems
Implementation of inclusive education policies
Merit-based appointments for school leadership
In addition, new directives address school health services, ensuring students learn in safer and more supportive environments.
Governor Lawal described education as central to economic growth and long-term stability, stating that the reforms are designed to tackle deeper systemic challenges.
“It is the most powerful instrument for reducing poverty, promoting peace, strengthening security, stimulating economic growth and preparing future generations to compete in an increasingly knowledge-driven world.”
He added that the newly signed Executive Orders form a unified strategy rather than isolated interventions, aimed at improving accountability, protecting educational assets, and raising standards across the board.
Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Abdulmalik Abubakar Gajam, stressed that the success of the reforms will depend on collective action from government institutions, educators, parents, communities, and development partners.
> “These reforms will not end with policy documents. They will be reflected in safer schools, stronger governance, healthier learners, improved teaching, better educational outcomes, and greater public confidence in our education system.”
The governor acknowledged that previous interventions largely focused on building classrooms and facilities, but noted that infrastructure alone cannot deliver quality education without strong governance, accountability, and effective teaching systems.
With this comprehensive policy shift, Zamfara is positioning itself to address long-standing educational challenges while aligning with global standards for 21st-century learning.
