In Katsina State today, a quiet revolution is taking place in schools. Classrooms that were once neglected are now being repaired, teachers who once struggled with chalk and boards are now teaching with tablets and children who could not afford books or uniforms are receiving them freely. This change is called the Transformation Education System (TESS) and at the heart of it stands Hajiya Binta Abdulmumin, the State Coordinator of the project. She personally supervises the progress across schools, ensuring that every reform reaches the classroom level. Working hand in hand with Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, the Hon. Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hajiya Zainab Musa Musawa, and the Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Alhaji Kabir Magaji, she has become a driving force in making sure the promises of TESS are turned into reality.

Supported by the World Bank, TESS has been running for over two and a half years. It is people-owned, designed to directly touch the lives of communities by improving schools, empowering teachers, and uplifting students. At its heart, it is about results. The government first implements projects, and once the World Bank verifies them, the state is reimbursed. This ensures accountability and allows the work to continue on a larger scale.

Much has already been achieved. More than 150 schools have been rehabilitated, and new classroom blocks have been built to reduce the pressure on existing ones. Even more exciting is the digital shift, 20,000 tablets have been procured for teachers of English, Mathematics, and Basic Science. For the first time, teachers now have access to preloaded lesson plans, syllabi and teaching resources right at their fingertips. This is not just about fixing classrooms; it is about rethinking the way teaching and learning should happen in today’s world.

The tablets have made teaching easier and more effective. Teachers can now deliver lessons with confidence, assess students digitally, and upload results, which are later verified to ensure accountability. Each teacher is expected to assess at least 80 percent of their students, making the process measurable and result-driven. To make this work, 18,000 teachers are being trained on digital teaching, while 123 school support officers guide and monitor them in classrooms. Teaching in Katsina is no longer just “chalk and talk”, it is now interactive, modern and data-driven.

Students, especially those from less privileged families, are not left behind. About 18,000 of them have received full support packages like uniforms, sandals, bags, exercise books and textbooks. This ensures that no child is denied the chance to learn simply because of their background. By combining digital tools for teachers with learning materials for students, education is becoming more inclusive and equal.

Strengthening the system itself is also a key focus. Directors and staff of SUBEB and the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education are undergoing training to build stronger institutions that can sustain reforms. Over 7,000 new teachers have been recruited and deployed across the state to bring quality education closer to every community. In addition, 70 motorcycles have been distributed to quality assurance officers to help them reach and monitor schools in remote areas.

The TESS project is built on community involvement. Communities provide materials, labor, and support to ensure that schools are maintained. When cement is needed, it is bought locally, and when workers are required, locals are engaged. This creates a sense of ownership and boosts the local economy. Parents and community leaders are also encouraged to take part by supporting schools and motivating children to take advantage of the opportunities being created.

While there are challenges, especially at the community level where responsibilities can sometimes be heavy, continuous sensitization is helping people understand that these projects are for their own benefit and the future of their children.

As the program continues, the people of Katsina can expect a complete transformation of their education system. With digital classrooms, trained teachers, modernized schools, and strong community participation, the state is moving from an analog system to a digital one. By the end of Governor Dikko Radda’s tenure, education in Katsina is set to be not only functional but also future-ready, able to compete with global standards while serving every child, in every corner of the state.

Education in Katsina is no longer just a dream, it is becoming a reality for every child, thanks to the leadership and close supervision of Hajiya Binta Abdulmumin and her team.