Delivering Better Education Services - Improved Planning for Kano Schools

“The State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Kano now has a clear vision and mission as well as structured functions and responsibilities for its various departments… The reform has been long-awaited. It will certainly assist the system to overcome the long period of stagnation.” Mallam Bala Inuwa, Permanent Member II SUBEB (below).

UKaid, through the Education Sector Support Programme in Nigeria (ESSPIN), facilitated a review of SUBEB’s mandate in order for it to improve delivery of quality basic education to every child in Kano State. The directors, board members and other senior officials of SUBEB were supported by ESSPIN to undergo a corporate planning process. The process, which took months of detailed participatory work, is beginning to pay off as departments are now planning activities in a more strategic way and are communicating more efficiently between themselves and with the local education authorities.

‘’We analyzed, argued and agreed on the functions of each department. And then ESSPIN made us agree on the responsibilities of units and even individuals within departments. We developed better communication chains to avoid duplication and make appropriate use of our limited resources. It wasn’t easy but now I see why it had to be done. It’s about knowing exactly what is expected of you and knowing that you will be held accountable.’’ Amina Umar, Deputy Director Public Relations, Kano SUBEB.

The corporate planning review led to an official request to ESSPIN for financial management training to improve the disbursement of government funds to schools. SUBEB also agreed to a payroll audit to address the issue of ghost workers.

There is a will in Kano to create better schools and a better Nigeria. As these ongoing tasks and reforms bear fruit, we will witness improvements in the management of school fund transfers, teachers’ salaries, infrastructure improvements and the supply and distribution of teaching and learning materials. These are factors that will positively affect the 2.5million children in Kano’s 7,055 primary and junior secondary schools, encouraging further enrolment and longer periods of attendance, and improving the quality of education they receive there.

UKAid is working through the Education Sector Support Programme in Nigeria, ESSPIN, to develop effective planning, financing and delivery systems that will improve the quality of basic education in Nigeria. ESSPIN supports simultaneous action on multiple fronts. Support for State and Local government and support to develop Federal laws, policies and budgets is accompanied by support for schools and support for communities .