The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has charged newly recruited teachers in Kano State to uphold the highest standards of professionalism.
He described quality teachers as the most critical factor in building a globally competitive education system and securing Nigeria's future.
Speaking at the official launch and distribution of appointment letters to 4,900 newly recruited teachers and 3,688 Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) Cohort V Facilitators in Kano, the Minister commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for making education a top governance priority through sustained investments in teachers, school infrastructure and learning outcomes.
Addressing the beneficiaries and thousands of stakeholders at the event, Dr. Alausa said teachers remain the most important professionals in any society because they shape future generations and determine the quality of national development.
"You are the most important people in our society. If we have good teachers teaching Nigerian children, we will produce very good students. Please take your time, love them, nurture them and teach them well. That is how we can derive full value from the opportunities that the Governor has given you," the Minister said.
In a statement by Ikharo Attah, Special Adviser (Media and communications), the Minister urged the newly employed teachers to justify the confidence reposed in them through dedication, excellence and commitment to quality classroom instruction, reminding them that "much is given, much is expected."
He praised Governor Yusuf for what he described as bold and deliberate investments in education, noting that Kano State's allocation of 32 per cent of its budget to education demonstrates genuine leadership and a commitment to human capital development.
According to him, the appointment of almost 9,000 teachers and facilitators, bringing the total number of teachers recruited by the administration to 16,000 within three years, represents one of the most significant education sector interventions by any state government in recent times.
"In some states, no single teacher has been recruited in decades. Here in Kano, the Governor has employed 16,000 teachers in just three years. This is what human capital development looks like. These are investments that will produce responsible citizens who will serve Kano State, Nigeria and the world," he stated.
Dr. Alausa also commended the Governor's broader development agenda, particularly the extensive investment in infrastructure, including the reconstruction of metropolitan roads and installation of solar streetlights across Kano City.
He noted that the achievements reflected an administration committed to improving the quality of life of its citizens while aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
"The future of Nigeria is bright. Kano State has aligned fully with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's development agenda, and the progress we have witnessed here demonstrates what is possible when leadership places education and people at the centre of governance," he added.
Earlier in the day, the Minister inspected the Tarda Smart School in Ungogo Local Government Area, where he reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to expanding technology-driven learning across the country.
He described smart schools as a critical component of Nigeria's education transformation, noting that digital learning environments will equip learners with the knowledge and skills required for the twenty-first century.
The Minister also visited Bayero University, Kano (BUK) as part of his official engagements before commissioning the newly built Government Girls Secondary School, Dangwaro, a project aimed at expanding access to quality education for the girl-child and strengthening secondary education in the state.
In his remarks, the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, described the presentation of appointment letters as a defining moment in the state's education reform journey, stressing that the exercise goes beyond employment to securing the future of millions of children whose aspirations depend on access to quality education.
He said the recruitment of 4,900 permanent teachers alongside the engagement of 3,688 BESDA Cohort V Facilitators reflects his administration's determination to provide every classroom with qualified, competent and committed teachers capable of delivering meaningful learning outcomes.
Governor Yusuf noted that education remains the cornerstone of his administration's development agenda, emphasizing that every child deserves the opportunity to realise his or her full potential through access to quality teaching and conducive learning environments.
The Governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Education for the strong partnership and support being extended to Kano State, while commending Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa,, the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa'id Ahmad, and development partners for their shared commitment to strengthening education across the country.
Dr. Alausa assured Nigerians that the Federal Ministry of Education will continue to work closely with states, development partners and other stakeholders to improve teacher quality, expand access to modern learning infrastructure and accelerate the implementation of reforms that will deliver equitable, inclusive and globally competitive education in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.