Education
Governor Dauda Lawal Signs Landmark Education Reform Orders, Rolls Out National Curriculum in Schools
Dauda Lawal launches Zamfara education reform with new policies on school safety, funding, governance and national curriculum rollout
Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal on Tuesday launched a sweeping Zamfara education reform programme at the Government House in Gusau, signing executive orders to strengthen school governance, improve learning standards and introduce the national curriculum across public schools.
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The reforms establish a new framework covering education financing, school protection, quality assurance, student welfare, health services and security measures aimed at transforming the state’s education system.
The governor also commenced the distribution of the national curriculum to public schools during a meeting with education stakeholders, describing the move as part of his administration’s effort to create a more structured and accountable learning environment.
According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the executive orders introduce measures on school classification, feeding programmes, transportation safety, safe-school protocols and the regulation of graduation ceremonies.
Other areas covered include unified examinations, inclusive education, merit-based appointments for school leaders, and increased focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), technical and vocational education and training (TVET), as well as digital learning.
Speaking at the event, Lawal said education remained a critical tool for economic development, peace-building and social progress.
“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,” the governor said.
He explained that the newly signed orders were designed as a comprehensive governance structure rather than isolated policies, with the goal of improving accountability, protecting educational facilities and raising learning outcomes.
Lawal noted that previous interventions in the education sector had often focused heavily on infrastructure, but argued that classrooms and laboratories alone could not guarantee quality education without strong systems and effective management.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Abdulmalik Abubakar Gajam, said the success of the reforms would depend on cooperation among government agencies, teachers, parents, communities, traditional institutions, development partners and private organisations.
“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,” Gajam said.
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The administration said the new measures are expected to create a more resilient education system capable of supporting young people with the skills needed for the future.
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UK student visa financial requirements will rise from November 30, 2026, increasing the living-cost funds international students must show
The United Kingdom will increase the minimum living-cost funds international students must demonstrate when applying for student visas from November 30, 2026, requiring applicants studying in London to show access to at least £14,130 for a course lasting nine months or longer.
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The revised requirements, introduced by the UK Home Office, will affect prospective students from Nigeria and other countries who plan to study at British universities.
The maintenance funds are separate from tuition fees and other visa-related charges.
Under the new rules, students studying in London will need to demonstrate access to £1,570 per month, up from the current £1,529.
For courses lasting nine months or longer, the maximum maintenance requirement will increase from £13,761 to £14,130, a rise of £369.
Students attending institutions outside London will also face higher thresholds.
Their required monthly living allowance will increase from £1,171 to £1,203, while the maximum amount for a nine-month course will rise from £10,539 to £10,827, an increase of £288.
The maintenance requirement is intended to demonstrate that applicants have enough money to support themselves during their studies. It does not cover tuition fees, which students must budget for separately.
Applicants must also account for the student visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge, which generally provides access to the UK’s National Health Service under the applicable rules.
The changes mean Nigerian students preparing to apply for UK study visas will need to review their budgets and ensure they meet the relevant financial threshold based on where their university is located.
They must also provide acceptable evidence that the required funds are available.
International students remain an important part of the UK’s higher education sector.
Figures cited in the report put international enrolment at approximately 685,565 students during the 2024/2025 academic year, representing about 24 per cent of the total student population.
Of that number, around 622,000 students came from outside the European Union, while approximately 63,600 were from EU countries.
Professor Padam Simkhada, Dean of Global Impact and Research at the University of Chester, was cited as saying international students contributed approximately £41.9 billion to the UK economy during the 2021/2022 academic year.
However, international students continue to face financial pressures linked to accommodation costs, employment limitations and restrictions on working hours.
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With the revised thresholds due to take effect on November 30, prospective students will need to factor the increased maintenance requirements into their study plans alongside tuition fees, visa charges and healthcare costs.
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