In a swift response to public outrage, Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has banned all forms of “hard labour” in public schools across the state. Naija247news gathered that the decision followed a viral incident where a headmaster allegedly forced pupils to dig the ground for a toilet pipeline, sparking widespread condemnation from parents, activists, and education stakeholders.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!According to Naija247news, the governor described the act as “unacceptable and exploitative,” emphasizing that schools should be safe spaces for learning, not environments where children are subjected to strenuous manual labor. “Education is our priority, and we will not tolerate any form of abuse or exploitation of pupils under the guise of school activities,” Governor Yusuf stated during an emergency meeting with education officials. Naija247news understands that the headmaster involved in the incident has been suspended pending further investigation.
The ban, which takes immediate effect, prohibits school authorities from assigning tasks such as digging, construction, or any form of physical labor that could endanger pupils’ health or disrupt their education. Naija247news reports that the governor has also directed the Ministry of Education to conduct a statewide audit of school activities to ensure compliance with the new directive. According to Naija247news, the ministry will work with local government education authorities to monitor schools and address any violations.
Naija247news gathered that the incident has reignited debates about the conditions of public schools in Kano and other parts of Nigeria. Many parents expressed relief at the governor’s decision, with some calling for stricter penalties for school officials who exploit pupils. “Our children go to school to learn, not to be used as laborers. This ban is long overdue,” said Hajiya Fatima Usman, a parent who spoke to Naija247news.
However, some stakeholders have raised concerns about the potential impact of the ban on school maintenance, particularly in rural areas where funding for infrastructure is limited. Naija247news understands that the state government has pledged to increase budgetary allocations to schools to address these challenges and ensure that learning environments remain conducive.
According to Naija247news, the governor’s action has been widely applauded by civil society organizations, including the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), which described the move as a “step in the right direction.” The group urged other states to follow Kano’s example in protecting the rights and welfare of students.
Naija247news reports that the Kano State government has also announced plans to launch a sensitization campaign to educate school administrators and communities on the importance of prioritizing children’s education and well-being. As the state takes these bold steps, the focus remains on creating a safer and more productive learning environment for all pupils.
