By Sani Idris Abdulrahman

The Kaduna Education Accountability Mechanism (KADBEAM) has formally notified the Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE) of its successful leadership transition, while showcasing major programme achievements, including the tracking of over 200 schools and improved education accountability tools across Kaduna State.

The development was announced during a courtesy visit to PLANE, where KADBEAM also presented honorary recognition awards to select PLANE officials in appreciation of their technical and institutional support throughout the recently concluded programme cycle.

Speaking during the engagement, KADBEAM Co-Chair Rahila Ishaku described the relationship with PLANE as a long-standing partnership built on trust and shared growth.

“We have had a symbiotic relationship for a long time, and we know we would not have survived up to this time without your support,” she said. “In development work, nothing is ever finished; it only moves to another level. We are here to say thank you for all the sacrifice and patience. We cannot pay you back, but this is from our heart.”

She added that the visit was also symbolic of continuity, noting that the mechanism remains committed to sustaining the partnership beyond the programme cycle.

“We are planting another seed today,” she said.

KADBEAM Lead for Knowledge Management and Communication, Alex Uangbaoje, highlighted that the leadership transition followed a 2024 organisational assessment supported by PLANE, which led to the development of key governance documents, including the organisation’s constitution.

He said the transition marked the end of an eight-year leadership structure, while confirming that formal registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is still ongoing due to administrative challenges.

Secretary of KADBEAM, Simeon Olatunde, reported that with PLANE’s support, the mechanism successfully tracked over 200 schools across 12 local government areas, alongside the development of a data dashboard for school monitoring and teacher attendance analysis.

He also apologised for past coordination challenges within the civil society space, describing the improvements recorded as evidence of stronger systems going forward.

Reform Facilitator under PLANE, Mubarak Siraj, said the programme deliberately ensured KADBEAM’s inclusion in sector-wide activities, adding that the group’s progress reflects its ability to adapt and grow through change.

“An effective organisation is one that responds to changes in its environment,” he said, noting that even moments of conflict are part of organisational development.

Also speaking, Reform Facilitator Ahmed Baba Jibril stressed that CAC registration remains critical for sustainability and donor engagement.

“Without registration, it will be difficult to access funding and build credibility,” he said, urging KADBEAM to prioritise institutional strengthening and policy compliance.

He also encouraged the group to strengthen internal systems and assured continued support from partners.

Kaduna State PLANE Team Lead, Daina Agabi, emphasised the need for increased visibility and stronger government engagement, urging KADBEAM to actively share its work and engage the Ministry of Education before publishing findings.

“Visibility creates opportunity,” she said, adding that triangulation with government stakeholders would strengthen trust and collaboration.

Results and Learning Manager, Musa Jimoh, described the partnership as one rooted in trust, learning, and shared commitment, urging KADBEAM to continue building on the foundation laid.

In a key highlight of the visit, PLANE formally handed over the Beta Nigeria Campaign structure and materials to KADBEAM, urging the organisation to adopt and drive it forward as part of ongoing education accountability efforts.

PLANE commended KADBEAM for its achievements under the programme and reaffirmed support for its continued growth and institutional development.

The engagement ended with both parties reaffirming commitment to sustaining collaboration in strengthening education accountability systems across Kaduna State.