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.