The State of Harmony (Kwara) Government has introduced a new educational initiative known as Commissioner-to-Classroom (C2C), aimed at strengthening student support systems and improving the learning atmosphere in both public and private schools across the state.
This was revealed by the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, during the first quarterly Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing hosted by the Ministry of Communications at the Ministry of Finance conference room in Ilorin.
Dr. Olohungbebe also announced the commencement of online registration for the Common Entrance Examination, reflecting the state’s push toward more accessible educational processes.
He highlighted the impact of KwaraLearn, the state’s digital education programme, which he credited with reshaping classroom experiences in public schools. According to him, the adoption of digital tools has expanded learning opportunities and boosted enrolment figures statewide. He noted that around 1,800 teachers from all 16 Local Government Areas recently underwent training in digital literacy as part of the initiative.
On quality assurance, the Commissioner disclosed that the state has rolled out the National Education Quality Assurance Policy (NEQAP), with zonal offices set up to oversee teaching standards and ensure compliance with state education policies.
He emphasized that the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is investing in extensive school renovation projects. Thirty-five schools have either been built or upgraded, while science laboratories across the three senatorial zones have received new equipment. He assured that contracts were only awarded to qualified contractors, with strict monitoring to ensure completion according to standards. He also acknowledged the support received from various NGOs in areas such as training and project implementation.
Dr. Olohungbebe discussed the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), noting that 898 Junior and Senior Secondary Schools have been selected to benefit from infrastructural upgrades, including the installation of WASH facilities. He also announced the creation of Grievance Redress Committees (GRCs) in these schools to enhance transparency in project delivery.
“Under the AGILE programme, 70 Master Trainers have been trained to facilitate digital literacy among students. They, in turn, trained an additional 140 facilitators. A manual on life skills is also being developed to guide safe-space education for adolescent girls. Furthermore, Education Management Information System (EMIS) officials have been trained in data collection and management techniques.
In support of out-of-school girls and young women, AGILE has collaborated with a Financial Service Provider to streamline disbursements for Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) beneficiaries. Training has also been provided for facilitators running the Second Chance education programme” he added.
The Commissioner reported that service providers addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) have been identified to offer referral support to survivors of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH). Community groups including School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs) have been engaged to ensure widespread awareness of the programme’s benefits.
He added that the state’s Agency for Mass Education has introduced a literacy campaign featuring adult and youth vocational training and radio-based literacy sessions on Midland FM 99.1, aimed at improving reading and writing skills among residents.
