NGF Chairman, Education Minister Commission Model Secondary School in Katsina

NGF Chairman, Education Minister Commission Model Secondary School in Katsina

…. I conceived the vision for smart schools in Katsina over three decades ago — Gov

Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has commissioned the Radda Model Secondary School in Katsina State, one of the three smart schools conceived by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda.

Speaking at the inauguration, Governor Radda disclosed that he conceived the idea of smart schools in Katsina State over three decades ago.

He said that the vision is now being realised through deliberate investment in modern, technology-driven education infrastructure.

“This initiative is a fulfilment of a long-standing vision to provide our children with the kind of education that prepares them not just for today, but for the future,” the Governor stated.

Radda explained that the establishment of model schools across the state is rooted in his personal academic experience, emphasising that access to quality education remains a critical driver of excellence, innovation, and leadership among young people.

He described the Radda Model Secondary School as a major milestone under his administration’s agenda, noting that it represents not just physical infrastructure but a strategic investment in human capital development.

“This school is not just about buildings; it is about shaping minds, nurturing talents, and preparing a generation that will compete globally and drive innovation,” he said.

The Governor recalled Katsina State’s long-standing reputation as a centre of learning and intellectual excellence, stressing that his administration is building on that legacy through targeted investments in science, technology, and innovation-driven education.

According to him, admission into the school was strictly merit-based, following competitive examinations conducted across all 34 local government areas, with about 1,000 students selected to ensure fairness, equity, and inclusiveness.

He disclosed that the school is fully equipped with modern facilities, including science laboratories, ICT infrastructure, digital learning tools, 24-hour internet connectivity, stable electricity supply, libraries, sports facilities, and residential hostels for both students and teachers.

Governor Radda further explained that the institution is designed to prepare students for emerging global trends such as artificial intelligence, robotics, coding, digital governance, and other technology-driven disciplines.

“Our goal is to produce innovators, problem-solvers, and future leaders who can compete effectively on the global stage,” he added.

He noted that the initiative is also aimed at addressing inequality in access to quality education by identifying and nurturing talented children across the state, regardless of their socio-economic background.

Governor Radda revealed that his administration has recruited over 7,325 teachers, trained more than 18,000 teachers, provided laptops to over 20,000 teachers, and awarded scholarships worth over ₦7 billion to students within and outside Nigeria.

He added that more than 75 secondary schools have been completed, while over 30 others are currently under construction, alongside the rehabilitation and furnishing of hundreds of classrooms across the state.

“These interventions reflect our sustained commitment to repositioning the education sector and ensuring that no child is left behind,” he said.

Governor Radda further disclosed that the Radda Model School is the first of three planned model institutions across the state’s education zones, assuring that the programme will be expanded to ensure equitable access to world-class learning facilities.

He called on development partners and the private sector to support the initiative through scholarships, infrastructure partnerships, and teacher development programmes, stressing that education development is a shared responsibility.

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving teachers’ welfare, acknowledging existing challenges while assuring continuous support to enhance working conditions and professional dignity.

He urged students to take full advantage of the opportunity, charging them to remain disciplined, focused, and committed to academic excellence.

In his remarks, Governor Abdulrahman described the project as a landmark achievement and a clear demonstration of purposeful leadership.

He noted that the school represents more than a physical structure, describing it as a deliberate investment in the future, with modern classrooms, digital facilities, laboratories, and a functional boarding system.

Abdulrazaq stressed that infrastructure must be complemented by effective teaching, continuous teacher training, and functional learning systems to achieve meaningful outcomes.

He commended the initiative for aligning with national efforts to position education as a driver of economic and social development, with emphasis on equity, quality, accountability, and inclusiveness.

The NGF Chairman also called on parents, community leaders, and stakeholders to take ownership of the facility, stressing the importance of maintenance and community support.

He also encouraged students to maximise the opportunity, noting that their success would justify the investment and inspire similar initiatives nationwide.

Abdulrazaq commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ongoing economic reforms, which he said have enabled greater investment in critical sectors such as education, while praising Governor Radda for prudent resource utilisation.

He also suggested the introduction of student exchange programmes across northern states to promote broader exposure and inclusiveness.

Similarly, the Minister of Education, Maruf Olatunji Alausa, described education as the most powerful investment any government can make, noting that the establishment of the Radda Model School reflects a long-term vision for building future leaders.

“This institution is not just infrastructure; it is a symbol of hope, opportunity, and empowerment for young people,” he said.

Dr. Alausa stated that the project aligns with the Federal Government’s education reform agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, focusing on expanding access, improving quality, strengthening technical and vocational education, and enhancing digital learning systems.

He assured the Katsina State Government of continued federal support, describing the school as a model for educational transformation in Nigeria.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Yusuf Suleiman Jibia, described the project as a major milestone in the state’s education reform efforts.

He emphasised that the initiative goes beyond infrastructure, focusing on equipping students with relevant future-ready skills while reinforcing education as a driver of sustainable development.

Also speaking, the Lead Consultant of Hallmark Educational Consultancy Services, Hajiya Zainab Bugaje Jika, described the commissioning as a historic milestone and a reflection of a shared commitment to building a world-class education system.

She disclosed that staff recruitment was conducted strictly on merit through a transparent process involving Computer-Based Tests, oral interviews, and micro-teaching assessments.

According to her, 213 academic staff and 38 non-academic staff were engaged, while student admission was conducted fairly across all 34 local government areas to ensure equity and inclusiveness.

She added that the school is designed to prepare students for the future through modern learning areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, coding, entrepreneurship, and vocational skills, supported by fully equipped smart classrooms, science laboratories, and ICT facilities.

The event was attended by top government officials, members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers, traditional rulers, development partners, and key stakeholders in the education sector.