Nasir Idris and transformation of education in Kebbi State

2026-03-02 - 06:47

By Haruna Aliyu Since assuming office as the Governor of Kebbi State on May 29, 2023, Dr. Nasir Idris has placed education at the centre of his administration’s development agenda. Drawing from his lifelong background as a professional teacher, education administrator, and former labour leader, Governor Idris has pursued a bold and deliberate strategy aimed at rebuilding the education sector and restoring public confidence in the system. His efforts have produced visible results across basic, secondary, and tertiary education, earning him national recognition and awards from reputable institutions, including the honour conferred on him by Vanguard for outstanding performance in education. Governor Idris’s approach to education reform is deeply personal and pragmatic. As a former classroom teacher and a onetime national president of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, he understands that meaningful reform must begin with those who deliver knowledge. One of his earliest interventions was the prioritisation of teacher welfare. His administration approved the extension of teachers’ retirement age from 60 to 65 years and increased years of service from 35 to 40, allowing experienced educators to continue contributing to the system. This decision not only retained institutional memory but also addressed teacher shortages in public schools. In addition to retaining experienced teachers, the governor approved the recruitment of thousands of new teachers to strengthen manpower across the state. This mass recruitment exercise improved teacher-student ratios and ensured that rural and underserved communities were no longer left behind. Salary enhancements and the lifting of employment restrictions further boosted morale, creating a more stable and motivated workforce capable of delivering quality education. Beyond personnel, Governor Idris has made massive investments in educational infrastructure. His administration committed billions of naira to the renovation, rehabilitation, and construction of school facilities across Kebbi State. Over 120 secondary schools have undergone extensive upgrades, while four mega secondary schools were constructed-one in each emirate council-to serve as modern hubs of academic excellence. These schools are equipped with improved classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and ICT facilities, providing students with a learning environment comparable to national standards. The governor’s infrastructure drive extends to tertiary institutions, where hostels, lecture halls, laboratories, and administrative blocks have been upgraded to improve learning conditions. These interventions have significantly reduced overcrowding, improved safety, and enhanced the overall academic atmosphere across the state. One of the most defining features of Governor Idris’s education policy is the expansion of access to learning through free and inclusive education. Kebbi State has emerged as a leading example in Nigeria by offering free education from primary to tertiary level. This policy has eased the financial burden on parents and guardians, especially those from low-income backgrounds, and has contributed to increased enrolment across the state. Special attention has been given to girl-child education. Through targeted policies and community engagement, the administration has recorded a steady rise in female enrolment, particularly at the secondary level. By removing financial and social barriers, the government has empowered more girls to remain in school and pursue higher education, strengthening the state’s human capital base. In addition to free tuition, the government has consistently paid examination fees for students sitting for national examinations such as WAEC and NECO. Scholarships and bursaries have also been expanded, with the state government settling outstanding tuition obligations and sponsoring students studying both within Nigeria and abroad. These initiatives have ensured continuity in students’ academic journeys and prevented dropouts caused by financial hardship. Governor Idris’s commitment to education goes beyond access and infrastructure; it also embraces academic excellence and innovation. Under his leadership, Kebbi schools have recorded improved performance in national academic and science competitions. The governor has personally acknowledged and rewarded outstanding students, reinforcing a culture that values excellence, creativity, and hard work. Institutional reforms have also been a hallmark of his administration. For the first time in years, governing councils were constituted for all state-owned tertiary institutions, strengthening oversight, accountability, and strategic planning. A historic convocation ceremony at Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero-held after decades of inactivity-symbolised the rebirth of academic tradition and institutional stability in the state. It is these wide-ranging reforms and tangible outcomes that earned Governor Nasir Idris national recognition, including the award highlighted by Vanguard. The honour reflects his visionary leadership, prudent investment, and unwavering commitment to transforming education into a powerful tool for social and economic development. Journalists and analysts have consistently noted that Kebbi State’s education sector is undergoing a quiet but profound renaissance under his watch. In less than two years, Governor Idris has laid a solid foundation for sustainable educational growth. His policies have improved teacher welfare, expanded access to learning, upgraded infrastructure, strengthened institutions, and inspired students to excel. The recognition he has received is not merely ceremonial; it is a reflection of measurable progress and a validation of a leader who understands that the future of Kebbi State lies in the education of its people. As these reforms continue to take root, Kebbi State is steadily emerging as a model for education-driven development in Nigeria, affirming that purposeful leadership can indeed transform lives and shape a better future.