The Kwara State Government has launched a bold new initiative, the Commissioner-to-Classroom (C2C) programme, designed to create a safer and more supportive learning environment across public and private schools in the state.
Unveiling the initiative at the first-quarter Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Ministry of Finance in Ilorin, Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, also introduced key reforms—among them, a dedicated helpline support service and an online registration portal for primary six pupils preparing for the Common Entrance Examination.
Dr Olohungbebe emphasised the success of the KwaraLearn initiative, which has transitioned education in the state from analogue to digital.
He stated that KwaraLearn had not only improved learning activities in all public schools but also enabled students in the state to compete on a global scale.
He further revealed that the programme has contributed to a doubling of pupil enrollment across the state and highlighted a recent training session for approximately 1,800 teachers from the sixteen Local Government Areas on Digital Literacy.
Regarding the National Policy on Quality Assurance (NEQAP), Dr Olohungbebe shared that Kwara State has launched a new policy to ensure quality education. Quality Assurance Officers monitor teacher activities to ensure compliance with government education policies.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration is also focused on infrastructural improvements. Dr Olohungbebe noted the ongoing construction and renovation of 35 schools, as well as the supply of laboratory equipment, across the three Senatorial Districts in the state.
“We only award contracts to competent contractors and ensure full supervision until project completion,” he affirmed.
Additionally, he discussed the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), which aims to provide support by renovating 898 junior and senior secondary schools and installing WASH facilities.
The initiative has successfully trained 70 Master Trainers, who are now equipping 140 others to train students in digital literacy.
Dr. Olohungbebe added, “AGILE has also engaged financial service providers to facilitate cash flow for Conditional Cash Transfer beneficiaries and has organised capacity-building for Second Chance Facilitators to assist out-of-school girls and young women.”
He highlighted the partnership with various stakeholders to ensure effective project monitoring and support services for survivors of Gender-Based Violence.
Furthermore, the Agency for Mass Education has initiated a literacy programme, vocational skills acquisition for adults and youths, and launched a literacy by radio programme on Midland FM 99.1 to eradicate illiteracy in the state.
