As part of the commemoration of the Global Action Week on Education, CSACEFA organized a roundtable where members of the Civil Society, Media, and Government proffered solutions to ensuring adequate financing for education in Kano state.
The round table discussion featured teachers, parents, journalists, CIBa, NGOs and all relevant stakeholders in Kano education sector, took place at School Based Management Committee (SBMC),hall SUBEB Kano.
Speaking at the event, the Kano state Coordinator CSACEFA, Dr Auwal Halilu, noted that ,the state allocated about 27% of the budget to education over the years, about 3-6% is released to the education sector, saying that, improving education financing is the bedrock upon which unfettered access to education can be achieved.
He noted that, there are usually no realeases for the marginalized group and special education, which he described as a problems that needs urgent Intervention beyond government and development partners financing.
Dr. Auwal pointed out that, individuals, philanthropists and wealthy individuals can contribute their quota, through psychological support, physical and other non-monetary forms of support .
“There should be community partnership for between the government and community members for financing education. Just like the way Multinational companies are supporting the health sector, something like that should be replicated in the education sector”.
Also speaking, president Institute of Community Development Practitioners in Nigeria, Professor Mohammad Shittu, explained that, the schools visited are in a poor environment of learning, adding that there is a critical shortage in important areas of need for effective learning.
He emphasized on the need for government and other stakeholders to address the infrastructure and teaching materials deficit, in addition to making some of the special needs schools in Kano inclusive one just like Amina Albasu, where all children can learn together, irrespective of their condition.
“Even while using the little resources they have, it is largely inadequate for heightened learning but the beauty of this is that the children are enthusiastic and the teachers are really passionate about impacting the lives of these students”.
Radio Nigeria reports that, the theme for this year’s GAWAR event “Investing in a just world: decolonizing education financing now”, focuses on mobilizing joint action around specific issues that affects the right to education as well as diversified, equitable, and efficient financing to education.
KHADIJAH ALIYU
