Bauchi State began producing exercise books and chalk locally to improve school supplies and quality.
Education Commissioner Rimin-Zayam said the project cuts substandard contractors and boosts self-reliance in learning materials.
The Bauchi State Government has initiated the local production of exercise books and chalks for distribution to schools across the state, aiming to enhance academic excellence and reduce reliance on external contractors.
The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Muhammed Rimin-Zayam, disclosed this on Friday during an inspection visit to the Education Resource Centre (ERC) in Bauchi.
According to him, the initiative backed by Governor Bala Mohammed will ensure a steady supply of quality learning materials while eliminating substandard products often delivered by unqualified contractors.
“You can see that exercise books are being locally made in Bauchi State under the supervision of the Ministry of Education with the support of Gov. Bala Mohammed. The fact that we can produce exercise books in Bauchi State is a great achievement. There is no point in going to China. By this development, it will phase out undue, unqualified contractors that supply substandard materials,” he said.
Rimin-Zayam added that in addition to exercise books and chalks, the state is also rebranding existing textbooks, giving them a fresh look for classroom use.
“If we can have our textbooks made and rebranded in the state, our chalks are being made here, too. What else do we need?” he noted.
He emphasized that the ERC project is proof that education is “working in Bauchi State,” with the potential to generate revenue through exports in the future.
ERC Director Kabiru Ahmed praised staff for their commitment and speed in producing exercise books, chalks, and rebranded textbooks, noting that the initiative is already yielding positive results for the education sector.
