The federal government, in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has inaugurated a new bilingual school in Kano State.
Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, referred to the initiative as a practical investment in human capital development, social inclusion, and regional stability.
The project is part of the federal government’s agenda, which seeks to enhance access to quality, inclusive, and forward-looking education, especially for communities that require targeted support.
During the commissioning ceremony held in the Kiru Local Government Area of Kano State, Prof. Ahmad highlighted the significance of bilingual education in reinforcing foundational learning, enhancing communication, preserving cultural identity, and boosting global competitiveness.
She pointed out that the school will provide students with both Islamic and conventional education, enabling them to access a broader range of resources and engage confidently within their communities.
The initiative is a crucial element of the $98 million bilingual education project funded by the IsDB, which plans to establish 30 new schools across nine states, including Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, and Osun.
Kano State will host four of these model schools, located in Doguwa, Ganduje, Ungoggo, and Kiru, all of which were inaugurated on Tuesday.
Each school is designed to accommodate over 1,000 students and is equipped with comprehensive facilities, including administrative and academic buildings, hostels, a multipurpose dining hall, staff quarters, a vocational skills center, a mosque, perimeter fencing, a water supply project, and other essential amenities.
The minister expressed gratitude to the Islamic bank for its dedication to educational development in Nigeria and the broader Islamic community, and she commended the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) for its coordination efforts.
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Prof. Ahmad urged the school management, educational authorities, and the local community to take ownership of the new facility to ensure it serves as a valuable investment.
She also called for the establishment of proper ventilation, in-person laboratories, and learner-centered teaching methods to maximize the school’s impact on its students, whom she referred to as the true beneficiaries of this investment.
Executive Secretary of UBEC, Aisha Garba, stated that the bilingual schools were designed to merge English Language and Arabic literacy with modern teaching methods, technical and vocational education, ICT-driven learning, and safe boarding facilities.
“These schools represent our collective commitment to providing equitable access to quality basic education for all children, particularly those who are out of school or vulnerable in our communities,” she noted.
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Ibrahim, who represented Governor Abba Yusuf at the event, expressed gratitude to the federal government, UBEC, and IsDB, stating that this investment will create new opportunities.
