Why Kano must rescue its science and technical colleges
Your Excellency, I write this letter with a deep sense of concern and hope regarding one of the most important institutions ever established by Kano State – science colleges under the Kano State Science and Technical Schools Board. I find it necessary to write to you because last week, I watched a viral video showing […]
Your Excellency,
I write this letter with a deep sense of concern and hope regarding one of the most important institutions ever established by Kano State – science colleges under the Kano State Science and Technical Schools Board. I find it necessary to write to you because last week, I watched a viral video showing students seated on bare classroom floors due to inadequate furniture. This shocked many citizens. I found myself in tears – not because the students sit on floors, but because, I remember the well-furnished classrooms, hostels, pristine environment, and immaculate flowerbeds that greeted me on my first day at Science Secondary School, Dawakin Tofa, on 2 October 1984.
Your Excellency, you may recall that nearly 50 years ago, visionary leaders of Kano State launched what became known as the “Dawaki Experiment.” Beginning with Science Secondary Schools in Dawakin Tofa and Dawakin Kudu in 1977, the initiative sought to identify the brightest students in the state and prepare them for careers in science, engineering, medicine, technology, and other strategic fields.
The experiment succeeded beyond expectations. For decades, these schools became the pride of Kano State. They produced thousands of doctors, engineers, professors, pharmacists, researchers, military officers, entrepreneurs, and public servants. Their graduates helped build industries, universities, hospitals, research institutions, and government agencies throughout Nigeria and beyond. In 1982, technical education was incorporated into the system, expanding its mandate to produce skilled manpower required for industrial development. The schools became a strategic investment in Kano’s future. Many states subsequently adopted and replicated the model.
Today, however, there are disturbing signs that this legacy is under serious threat. After watching the video, I contacted some members of alumni groups to assess the situation towards potential solutions. The video lasted only a minute, but it revealed a much deeper problem. The absence of chairs is merely a symptom of a larger institutional decline. Many of the schools under the science board face four major challenges, including; (i) overcrowded classrooms, (ii) aging and inadequate infrastructure, (iii) insufficient laboratories, workshops, and ICT facilities, and (iv) shortage of qualified science and technical teachers. There are also the declining transition rates into universities and technical institutions, reduced learning outcomes, and insufficient alumni engagement. These developments should worry every citizen of Kano State. Your excellency, I know that you declared a state of emergency in basic education in the state. I am sure you were unaware of this decay in the science colleges.
The world is changing rapidly. Artificial Intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and digital technologies are redefining economic competitiveness. Nations and regions that invest heavily in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education are creating wealth at unprecedented rates. Those that neglect education are falling behind. Kano State cannot afford to fall behind. For example, with a population exceeding 20 million people, Kano possesses one of the largest human-resource bases in Africa. At an annual growth rate of approximately three per cent, the population could double by 2050. Yet our economic performance remains far below our potential.
Recent economic estimates place Kano State’s GDP at approximately N4.2 trillion, while Lagos State’s GDP exceeds N61.1 trillion and continues to grow rapidly. In other words, Lagos currently generates almost 15 times the economic output of Kano State despite Kano’s enormous population, entrepreneurial culture, and strategic location. Much of Lagos’ success is linked to sustained investments in human capital, innovation, technology, and skills development. Some may point to ports and other infrastructure that give Lagos relative advantage. But its recent GDP growth is due to knowledge-based technology companies such as Moniepoint, Flutterwave, OPay, Interswitch, and Jumia.
The lesson is clear. The wealth of modern societies is no longer determined primarily by land, minerals, or population. It is increasingly determined by the quality of human capital. Sir, Lagos is just one example. History provides many examples that makes it necessary to save the science colleges – as the goose that lays the golden eggs. For example, South Korea emerged from the devastation of war in the 1950s as one of the poorest countries in the world. Through massive investments in science and technical education, it transformed itself into a global leader in technology and manufacturing. Singapore, lacking significant natural resources, built one of the world’s strongest economies through relentless investment in education, skills, innovation and productivity. States and regions that consistently invest in quality education attract more industries, create more jobs, generate more tax revenue, and achieve higher standards of living. Kano State can do the same.
I respectfully urge Your Excellency to declare a State of Emergency on Science and Technical Education and launch a comprehensive revitalisation programme for all schools under the Science and Technical Schools Board. I would like to suggest a 10-point programme. These should include: (i) immediate rehabilitation of classrooms, laboratories, workshops, hostels, and libraries. (ii) provision of adequate furniture and learning facilities in all schools. (iii) recruitment and continuous training of highly qualified science and technical teachers. (iv) establishment of modern ICT, Artificial Intelligence, robotics, and innovation laboratories. (v) performance-based funding tied to measurable learning outcomes. (vi) Strong partnerships with industries, universities, and development organisations. (vii) creation of a Kano Science and Technology Endowment Fund involving government, alumni, philanthropists, and the private sector. (viii) annual publication of school performance indicators to promote accountability. (ix) special scholarship programmes for outstanding students. (x) repositioning the schools as centres of excellence for STEM education in West Africa. It is true that this proposed revitalisation programme will cost a lot of money. But it cannot be higher than the cost of ignoring the problems.
As a member of the alumni associations, I promise you that we are willing to rise to the occasion. Last December, I attended an event organised by the class of 1984. I met many beneficiaries of the science schools, who Today occupy influential positions across Nigeria and the world. Whatever intervention you may consider, we will contribute our own quota. This is the time to give back. The responsibility of preserving this legacy cannot be left to government alone.
Your Excellency, every generation inherits certain institutions that define its future. The science colleges and technical schools of Kano are among such institutions. If revitalised, they can become engines for producing the scientists, engineers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and technology leaders who will drive Kano’s economy over the next 50 years. If neglected, Kano risks losing one of its greatest instruments for economic transformation.
The choice before us is not merely educational; it is economic, strategic, and generational. The future prosperity of Kano State is sitting in our classrooms Today. Let us ensure that those classrooms inspire excellence rather than symbolise neglect. History will remember the leaders who rebuilt Kano’s educational foundations and prepared its youth for the knowledge economy of the twenty-first century.
May Your Excellency be counted among them.