Mardan: Retired District Education Officer (DEO) Mrs. Samina Ghani has emphasized the need to equip students, particularly girls, with modern education and practical skills, saying technological advancement and global competition require a stronger focus on quality learning and professional development.
In an interview with The Public Purview, she said education remains a key driver of national progress and that countries leading in science, technology, and economic development have invested heavily in modern education systems. She stressed that preparing the younger generation for changing educational and workforce demands is essential for future growth.
Mrs. Ghani, who retired as DEO Khyber in April 2026 after serving in several districts across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, highlighted both the achievements and challenges facing the province’s education sector.
Originally from District Swabi, she belongs to an academic family and pursued her education at institutions in Swabi, Malakand, and Peshawar before earning professional teaching qualifications from the University of Peshawar. She began her career as a high school teacher in 1990 and later joined the management cadre through the Public Service Commission in 2011.
Challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s education sector
Mrs. Ghani noted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s public education system includes more than 35,000 government schools serving over six million students, making administration and service delivery a significant challenge.
She said girls’ education in the merged districts continues to face obstacles, including limited school infrastructure, transportation difficulties, shortages of female teachers, poverty, and inadequate facilities. However, she observed that awareness regarding girls’ education has increased in recent years, with more families recognizing its importance.
Technology and modern education
Discussing recent developments, Mrs. Ghani welcomed the introduction of smart classrooms and online learning initiatives in parts of District Khyber, including schools in Gulabad and Landi Kotal.
She said expanding access to digital learning tools and modern educational technology can help students acquire skills aligned with international standards and future employment needs.
According to her, technical and vocational education should be introduced at the school level to ensure students gain practical skills alongside academic qualifications. She said early exposure to technology and professional training can better prepare young people for economic opportunities.
School reforms and assessment
Mrs. Ghani also discussed the government’s School-Based Assessment (SBA) system, describing it as an initiative aimed at promoting understanding-based learning rather than rote memorization.
She said that while the system is still developing and implementation challenges remain, consistent application could improve student assessment and encourage concept-based education. She also highlighted the importance of Early Childhood Education (ECE) classrooms in promoting activity-based learning and cognitive development.
Role of social media and alternative education
Addressing the impact of social media, Mrs. Ghani said digital platforms can serve as valuable educational tools when used responsibly. She noted that online learning resources, educational applications, and digital classrooms can help expand access to education, particularly for students in remote areas or those who have missed formal schooling.
She also underscored the importance of non-formal education initiatives and community-based schools in reducing the number of out-of-school children across the province.
Call for collective responsibility
Mrs. Ghani said teachers play a central role not only in academic instruction but also in character building, moral development, and personality growth. She stressed the need for professionally trained educators capable of meeting the demands of modern education.
She concluded by saying that meaningful improvements in education, particularly in the merged districts, require cooperation among government institutions, educators, parents, and communities. According to her, investing in education today, especially for girls, is essential for building a more prosperous future.
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