PLANE Jigawa Holds Quarterly Review Meeting to Boost Education Sector

By Ali Rabi'u Ali Jigawa

The Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE) Jigawa program recently held a quarterly review meeting at Tahir Guest Palace in Dutse. The meeting brought together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss the program's progress, achievements, and challenges.

One of the key achievements highlighted during the meeting was the successful conduct of Jigawa State Steering Committee meetings. These meetings played a crucial role in reviewing education reforms and key performance activities, paving the way for improved educational outcomes in the state.

Members of the Jigawa Education Accountability Forum were supported to review and implement strategic plans aimed at monitoring and tracking teaching and learning outcomes. This initiative is expected to enhance accountability within the education sector and ensure that educational standards are maintained.

In a bid to promote inclusive education, PLANE collaborated with the State Tsangaya Board, SUBEB, and ANE to develop Hausa and Fulfulde versions of school referral pathways. This development is expected to improve access to education for children from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

The production and sharing of the first draft of the Basic Education Newsletter marked another significant achievement. The newsletter highlights key changes and improvements in the basic education sector, serving as a vital tool for information dissemination and stakeholder engagement.

PLANE's assistance to the Jigawa State Government in preparing and submitting a grant proposal for the World Bank Hope project demonstrates the program's commitment to leveraging global support for the state's education sector.

Despite these achievements, the meeting highlighted several challenges impacting program delivery. Delayed approval of draft policies, such as the SBMC policy and Jigawa Quality Assurance Policy, is hindering sector reforms and affecting donor confidence. Additionally, program coordination issues, including insufficient teaching and learning materials and poor attendance of teachers and pupils, need to be addressed.

Skylink news reports that the quarterly review meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss these challenges and develop strategies to overcome them. By working together, stakeholders can ensure the effective implementation of PLANE's interventions in Jigawa State, ultimately improving the quality of education and outcomes for children.