The Kano State government has inaugurated the 2025/2026 annual school census (ASC) to generate accurate and reliable data for effective education planning, policy formulation, and resource allocation.

This is contained in a statement on Thursday by Musbahu Aminu-Yakasai, the spokesperson for the Kano State Ministry of Education.

Speaking at the event in Kano, the Commissioner for Education, Ali Haruna-Makoda, described the census as a critical exercise for generating credible statistics to support evidence-based policy formulation, equitable distribution of resources, and improved service delivery across the education sector.

He urged all officials and stakeholders involved in the exercise to ensure accuracy, transparency, and timely submission of data.

“The success of the exercise depends on the quality and credibility of the information collected,” he said.

The commissioner presented sample census questionnaires and other data collection materials to key education agencies.

The statement said the agencies included the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and Kano State Senior Secondary Schools Management Board (KSSSSMB).

Others are the State Agency for Mass Education (SAME), the State Science and Technical Schools Board (STSB), and the Private and Voluntary Institutions Management Board (PVIMB).

Earlier, the ministry’s permanent secretary, Bashir Baffa-Muhammad, commended development partners and stakeholders for their continued support toward strengthening education management through quality data.

He said the census would enhance planning and decision-making in the education sector.

Also speaking, the director of planning, research, and statistics, Yusha’u Hamza-Kafinchiri, said the census would capture comprehensive data on schools, learners, teachers, infrastructure, and other key education indicators.

According to him, the information generated will support informed planning, policy implementation, and improved education service delivery across the state.

Representatives of development partners, including UNICEF, Plan International, and the Development Research and Projects Centre (DRPC), commended the state government for sustaining the annual school census.

They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the ministry in strengthening education data systems and ensuring the availability of high-quality statistics to support the development of the education sector.

The event was attended by directors of the ministry, heads of education agencies, representatives of development partners, education stakeholders, and other dignitaries.

(NAN)