By Ali Rabiu Ali
The Jigawa State education sector is set for a major boost as the Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE) rolls out a new English Language training programme targeting 337 primary school teachers across 132 selected schools, a development expected to benefit over 30,000 pupils in Primary One to Primary Three.
The programme follows the successful completion of a six-day intensive training for 26 master trainers, held at Grand Amber Hotel, Jigawa State, after which step-down training for teachers is scheduled to commence simultaneously across seven local government areas where PLANE operates.
The LGAs include Dutse, Gagarawa, Jahun, Kafin Hausa, Malam Madori, Taura, and Yankwashi.
Speaking on the initiative, the Chairman of the Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Professor Haruna Musa, described PLANE’s intervention as highly commendable, particularly in teacher development, provision of learning materials, and capacity building at the local government level.
“Sincerely speaking, what PLANE is doing in terms of teacher development, provision of learning materials, and capacity building is something that is highly commendable,” he said.
Professor Musa noted that PLANE’s earlier focus on using the mother tongue as the language of instruction in lower primary classes had yielded positive results, especially when compared with non-intervention schools.
He added that the introduction of English language teaching from Primary One to Primary Three marks another significant milestone.
“Introducing English early will help our learners meet international standards. When you limit learning to only the mother tongue, you restrict early exposure to English,” he explained.
He emphasized the need for adequate instructional materials, calling for a one-to-one learner-to-book ratio, including textbooks, workbooks, and teachers’ guides, to ensure effective learning outcomes.
Professor Musa further stated that the state government is keen on learning from the PLANE model in order to develop a homegrown education solution that reflects Jigawa’s peculiar needs.
“We are looking for partnership and collaboration. We will critically assess this programme, learn from it, and develop a model that addresses the challenges faced by our teachers,” he said.
Also speaking, the Deputy National Team Leader of the PLANE Programme, Mr. Samuel Achimugu, explained that the initiative is part of the UK-government-funded education intervention implemented through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
According to him, PLANE has been working across Jigawa, Kano, and Kaduna States to improve literacy and numeracy using the language of the immediate environment, while also strengthening English language skills.
“From the design of the programme, both local language and English have always been part of our plan. With funding now available, we are rolling out English as a second language for children in Primary One to Three,” Achimugu said.
He clarified that the current phase is a pilot programme, being tested in over 100 schools, with plans to scale up across the state based on the outcome and in collaboration with the Jigawa State Government.
“Once we confirm that the materials work effectively, we will engage the Ministry of Education and SUBEB to explore a statewide rollout,” he added.
Achimugu expressed satisfaction with the performance of the master trainers and teachers so far, noting that the programme would help prepare pupils for a smooth transition to English as the language of instruction in upper primary classes.
The initiative aligns with the Jigawa State Government’s broader education agenda to improve learning outcomes and equip pupils with skills needed to compete nationally and globally.
Also speaking during the training, the Master Trainer and Lead Facilitator, Abdullahi Yusuf, said the workshop, now in its second day, is designed to step down modern teaching methods to teachers of Primary One, Two and Three across selected schools in the state.
According to him, the programme is being implemented for the first time under the PLANE initiative, beginning with a “Training of Trainers” session that will later cascade to classroom teachers to ensure wider impact.
“This training will last for six days, and what we have already learned will be stepped down to the respective teachers invited from different schools. The aim is to strengthen effective teaching and learning, especially in English language,” Yusuf explained.
He noted that participants, who are all English language teachers, have shown a high level of commitment and enthusiasm since the commencement of the training.
“From the first day, the teachers have been actively involved in various activities. Their level of participation is encouraging, and they are fully engaged in practical sessions,” he said.
Yusuf added that the teachers were trained on innovative teaching aids, including the use of flashcards to enhance pupils’ understanding of English concepts.
“Today, we taught them how to make and use flashcards while teaching English. They have already started designing and demonstrating flashcards using cardboard and picture illustrations,” he stated.
He further emphasized that the programme allows for code-switching the use of Hausa language where necessary to ensure better understanding of lessons, especially when explaining complex concepts.
“This approach will bring positive changes to primary education because it gives teachers the opportunity to explain lessons clearly while maintaining proper teaching ethics,” he said.
The master trainer commended the Jigawa State Government for supporting the PLANE programme, describing the initiative as timely and impactful.
“I want to congratulate the state government for supporting this programme and giving teachers the opportunity to improve their skills.
This will certainly lead to more effective teaching and learning in our primary schools,” Yusuf concluded.
