By Ghazali Ibrahim 
The Kano State Government’s recent distribution of 120,000 cartons of chalk to public schools has sparked mixed reactions, with critics questioning the relevance of such an initiative in a 21st-century educational system that is increasingly driven by technology.
The distribution ceremony, which took place at the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) headquarters, was led by the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ali Makoda, who said the move aligns with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s commitment to revamping the education sector.
But while government officials hailed the effort as a step toward improving teaching conditions, education stakeholders and observers have expressed concerns about the state’s continued reliance on outdated teaching tools.
“This is 2025, not 1985,” said Ibrahim Sani, an education advocate based in Kano.
“While other states and countries are investing in smart boards, digital learning devices, and teacher training for tech-based classrooms, we are celebrating the distribution of chalk as a major educational milestone. It raises questions about our priorities.”
Critics argue that the emphasis on chalk rather than digital infrastructure reflects a lack of vision and innovation in addressing the deep-rooted challenges in public education.
They note that many classrooms lack basic internet access, digital devices, and modern teaching aids that could better prepare students for a globalized, tech-driven world.
The commissioner defended the initiative, saying, “What we are witnessing today is a clear demonstration of our commitment to the education sector.”
He also cited previous interventions, including the 2023 distribution of instructional materials such as textbooks, whiteboards, school bags, and uniforms.
However, education analysts say the continued investment in materials like chalk suggests the government may be focused more on optics than long-term educational transformation.
They argue that a truly impactful intervention would involve investment in teacher training, digital literacy, infrastructure development, and policies that align with global best practices.
SUBEB Chairman Yusuf Kabir praised the distribution and pledged the chalks would be put to good use.
But critics insist that without a strategic shift toward modern teaching methods, such interventions may do little to elevate the quality of education in Kano.
However, for many, it served as a reminder of how far the state’s educational priorities may be lagging behind the times.
