The Katsina State Government has approved the recruitment of 1,900 teachers for its secondary schools, as part of efforts to address shortage of manpower in the schools.

Prof. Halimatu Idris, Commissioner for Education, made the disclosure in Katsina on Thursday while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting.

The commissioner explained that the teachers to be recruited were those already doing part-time or voluntary work in public schools across the state.

Idris said that ministry, the state Science and Technical Education Board, and that of Basic Education would be involved in the exercise.

The commissioner disclosed that the meeting also approved new projects amounting to N198.75 million for the education sector.

According to her, the projects include the
construction of additional storey buildings for classrooms, Sick-bay and hostels at Science Secondary School, Batagarawa at the sum of N80.4 million.

She added that the meeting also approved the release of N118.3 million for the construction of additional structures in Ajiwa Science Secondary School.

The commissioner revealed that the meeting had approved the change of name for one of Northern Nigeria’s oldest schools, Government College, Katsina, to Dikko College.

Muhammadu Dikko was the Emir of Katsina when western education was brought to the emirate.

Meanwhile, the government has agreed to purchase a new pump for Ajiwa Water Scheme at N86 million, and spend N171 million on chemicals for water treatment.

The Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Salisu Gambo, said rehabilitation work on Ajiwa water scheme, awarded at N2 billion, was in progress.

He also said that the meeting had approved the release of N500 million for the rehabilitation of street lights and provision of road crossing signs for pedestrians.