The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has launched the second phase of its education initiative aimed at enhancing education policies, strengthening teacher capacity, and improving 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.
Beyond Katsina, the initiative also extends to Adamawa, Plateau, Oyo, Enugu, and Bayelsa States, with the goal of training 20,000 teachers across the beneficiary states.
Speaking at the project’s official launch at the Katsina State Government House on Wednesday, UNESCO Representative to Nigeria, Albert Mendy, emphasized that the initiative seeks to review and implement education policies that address teacher shortages, improve working conditions, and enhance the overall quality of education.
“This project is designed to strengthen and implement education policies, improve teacher resilience, and reinforce their ability to engage effectively with students and their communities,” Mendy stated.
He further explained that the initiative will focus on expanding teacher training programs, particularly in fragile contexts, to ensure educators are well-equipped to handle challenges in the sector.
Launching the EU-UNESCO project, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing the necessary policy support to ensure the project’s success.
“This initiative aligns perfectly with our vision of inclusive and high-quality education for all,” Radda said. “We are committed to ensuring that girls, persons with disabilities, and out-of-school children have access to education.”
He noted that the project comes at a critical time when the state government is ramping up efforts to improve literacy, digital education, technical skill training, and community engagement in the education sector.
The governor commended the EU and UNESCO for their continued support in driving education and social development programs in the state.
“Through this project, we aim to expand access to quality education, particularly in underserved areas, and enhance teacher training and curriculum development to meet global standards,” Radda added. “The government remains fully committed to sustaining the objectives of the EU-UNESCO initiative by providing resources and institutional support.”
To facilitate immediate implementation, Governor Radda directed the state Ministry of Education to provide office space for project staff. He also inaugurated a State Project Steering Committee, led by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Zainab Musawa, to oversee the initiative’s execution.
The EU-UNESCO project is expected to make a significant impact on education in Katsina and beyond, equipping teachers with the skills needed to provide quality learning experiences for students across the state.
