By Ali Rabiu Ali Jigawa
A two-day workshop aimed at strengthening education accountability and improving learning outcomes has commenced in Kano, bringing together media professionals, influencers, and civil society actors from across northern Nigeria.
The workshop, titled “Classroom Takeover: Turning Visibility into Learning Outcomes in Kaduna, Kano, and Jigawa,” is designed to equip participants with tools to document and highlight challenges facing the education sector, particularly in public schools.
Organised by PLANE program of Beta Nigeria campaign partners, the training focuses on bridging gaps in teacher availability, school enrolment, and learning conditions through structured classroom and community observations.
Speaking during the opening session, the facilitator Mr. Odeh Friday emphasised the critical role of the media and digital storytellers in amplifying education issues and driving policy responses. Participants were also introduced to the Beta Nigeria campaign, which seeks to use evidence-based storytelling to promote accountability in governance.
Sessions on the first day highlighted alarming trends, including the growing number of out-of-school children, teacher shortages, and gaps in foundational literacy and numeracy across Kaduna, Kano, and Jigawa states.
On her part, one of the organizers, Ramatu Ada Ochekliye who is also a facilitator stressed the need for accurate, ethical, and impactful reporting, urging participants to produce high-quality multimedia content that meets professional standards while protecting the rights of children.
The workshop also explored how documented evidence can be transformed into actionable advocacy, encouraging collaboration with School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) and state-level stakeholders.
Participants are expected to leave the training with practical skills to track education challenges, create compelling stories, and influence positive change in their communities.
The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to improve transparency and accountability in the education sector, with stakeholders expressing optimism that increased visibility will lead to better policies and improved learning outcomes for children across the region.
