Katsina Govt. to Train 18,000 Teachers on Digital Pedagogy, AI

EU, UNESCO Praise Katsina’s EISS Leadership

By Shu’aibu Gachi

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has said his administration remains committed to education reforms, teacher development and human capital advancement.

The Governor stated this at the flag-off of the training of 18,000 teachers on Digital Pedagogy and Artificial Intelligence (AI) under the EU–UNESCO EISS Project in Katsina.

Represented by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hon. Yusuf Suleiman Jibia, Radda described the initiative as a major step towards improving teachers’ competencies and strengthening technology-driven education.

He appreciated the European Union and UNESCO for their support, noting that Katsina was hosting the national flag-off on behalf of six participating states: Adamawa, Bayelsa, Enugu, Katsina, Oyo and Plateau.

Highlighting his administration’s achievements, Governor Radda said, “Education remains a priority of our Building Your Future Agenda. We have invested over ₦120 billion in the sector within three years, constructed more than 100 Junior Secondary Schools and 35 Senior Secondary Schools, and established three Special Model Smart Schools.”

On teacher recruitment and welfare, he noted, “We have employed 9,734 teachers, including 2,158 in July 2026, while over 7,500 teachers have benefited from professional development programmes. We have also introduced regular promotions, prompt payment of entitlements and a ₦30,000 termly rural teachers’ allowance.”

He explained that approximately 2,500 teachers and school leaders participated in each of three training phases conducted in partnership with the British Council and Education Solutions Ltd., while another 7,500 are expected to benefit in 2027.

On digital education, Radda observed, “We are promoting technology-driven learning through digital tablets, ICT facilities, robotics and Artificial Intelligence, particularly in our Special Model Smart Schools, to prepare students and teachers for the demands of the modern world.”

Addressing the beneficiaries, he stressed, “I urge participating teachers to take this training seriously and translate the knowledge acquired into improved classroom delivery and better learning outcomes. All stakeholders must ensure effective monitoring and sustainability.”

He also highlighted government interventions in examination fee payments, scholarships, girl-child education and support for learners with special needs.

Earlier, the UNESCO Representative to Nigeria, Dr. Isaías Barreto da Rosa, commended Katsina State for its leadership, commitment and ownership of the EISS Project.

He appreciated the European Union for its financial support and acknowledged the state’s establishment of a Project Steering Committee, commitment to the revised National Teacher Policy and provision of a dedicated budget line.

Dr. da Rosa observed that Artificial Intelligence offered opportunities to improve teaching and personalise learning, but stressed that technology must complement, not replace, teachers.

He disclosed that the programme would train 18,000 teachers across six states through 13 modules, following an assessment of the digital competencies of more than 10,000 teachers.

He urged participants to apply the knowledge gained in their classrooms, maintaining that the programme’s success would ultimately be measured by improved teaching quality and students’ learning outcomes.

The UNESCO representative assured that the organisation would continue working with the Federal Government, participating states and development partners to ensure the project’s sustainability.

Those in attendance included; the representatives of the European Union and UNESCO; education officials from the six participating states; development partners; project implementation teams; facilitators; and participating teachers.