Katsina, British Council Train 300 Principals and Teachers to Boost English Proficiency
By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Katsina Times
The Katsina State Government, in collaboration with the British Council, has launched a specialised training programme for 300 educators across the state. The initiative, flagged off on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, is designed for 50 school principals and 250 teachers selected from various schools in Katsina.
The training, tagged Strengthening Teachers’ English Proficiency (STEP), aims to enhance teachers’ command of the English language while equipping them with strategies to improve classroom delivery and learning outcomes.
Speaking at the launch, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hajiya Zainab Musan Musawa, described the programme as part of Governor Dikko Umar Radda’s education reform agenda. She noted that the government has prioritised policies and programmes aimed at reviving the quality of education, particularly at the foundational level.
“We are committed to restoring dignity and raising competent leaders in our schools. If we fail to sanitise our system, it will continue to deteriorate,” the commissioner said.
“This programme is not for personal gain, but for the benefit of our children and the future of Katsina State.”
Hajiya Zainab urged participants to view themselves not only as beneficiaries but also as role models who will train their colleagues in the future.
“You are the leaders of learning in our schools. We expect you to become examples to others, and tomorrow you will be called upon to step down this training to your peers. This responsibility must be taken seriously,” she stressed.
Also speaking, Mr. Daniel Fwanshishakh, Head of English and Education at the British Council, said the participants were carefully selected from thousands of teachers across the state to pioneer the training and spread its benefits to others.
“You have been chosen to begin this process, which is part of our effort to strengthen your skills as school leaders and to ensure other teachers benefit in advancing education, particularly for children who are out of school,” he explained.
Similarly, Ahmad Sani, a Director from the Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), expressed concern that many pupils graduate from primary and secondary schools without adequate English proficiency. He urged the participants to apply the knowledge gained to transform learning in their respective schools.
“We are not here to lecture you, but to guide you and work with you to ensure meaningful results. I urge you to be attentive, dedicated, and committed to implementing this training in your classrooms,” he said.
The training is expected to run for several days, after which participants will return to their schools to cascade the lessons to colleagues, in a bid to strengthen Katsina’s education system from the grassroots.
