By Amina Samuel,Kaduna
The Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, has introduced a range of policies aimed at improving education access and creating a conducive learning environment, leading to notable advancements in the sector.
During a quarterly ministerial press briefing on Tuesday at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Commissioner for Education, Professor Muhammad Sani Bello, highlighted that these initiatives align with the governor’s campaign promises.
He detailed the significant infrastructure improvements, including the construction of new schools and classrooms, since the governor took office.
“Since the beginning of this administration, more than 600 classrooms have been constructed, with many others undergoing renovations.
The era of students studying in non-conducive environments is now over,” Professor Bello stated.
Under the AGILE project, 62 new secondary schools have been established, with an additional 50 planned for construction ahead of the administration’s second anniversary.
Moreover, the commissioner announced the launch of six science secondary schools funded by the Islamic Development Bank, a project that had been dormant for 16 years.
“More than 2,000 students are now enrolled in these specialised schools,” he said.
Professor Bello also reported improvements in examination outcomes, noting a rise in the percentage of students achieving five credits in national examinations such as WAEC and NECO from 54% to 67% since the current administration began.
Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to education was further demonstrated through his first Executive Order, which reduced tuition fees in state-owned tertiary institutions by 40%.
This decision has led to an increase in student enrollment across institutions such as Kaduna State University and Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, according to Professor Bello.
“Previously, many students left for institutions in neighbouring states due to high tuition fees,” he added.
In addition to fee reductions, the government has introduced new courses across various state-owned tertiary institutions, now accredited by relevant education authorities.
The administration is also focused on tackling the issue of out-of-school children through the construction of new schools, with support from five key development partners, including the Islamic Development Bank and UNICEF.
Prof Bello disclosed that a statistical mapping of Kaduna State has identified communities lacking school facilities.
As part of this initiative, 102 new schools will be built, while over 200 existing schools will be renovated with the aim of ensuring no child travels more than one kilometre to access an educational facility.
In another significant development, he mentioned that the Special School for Gifted Children at Millennium City is currently 90% complete, and the Tsangaya Bilingual Schools Project has also seen substantial expansion with support from UBEC and the Islamic Development Bank.
