From Muawuya Bala Idris, Katsina
In a significant boost for education in Katsina State, the World Bank, in collaboration with the state government, has completed the construction of 45 new junior secondary schools across the state.
This initiative was announced by Dr. Kabir Magaji, the Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), following the commissioning of one of the newly built schools.
Dr. Magaji revealed that these schools were constructed under the innovative AGILE program and are part of a larger project that will see a total of 75 new secondary schools built with World Bank support.
He assured that the state government has taken over the management of these schools and will equip them with all the necessary teaching and learning materials.
A key aspect of this project is the strategic placement of the new junior secondary schools within the existing premises of primary schools.
This aims to ensure smoother student transitions and encourage higher retention and completion rates.
Dr. Magaji also shared promising news about future plans. He announced that an additional 45 junior secondary schools will be constructed next year, further expanding educational opportunities for students in Katsina.
Recognizing the importance of teacher well-being, the government has also taken steps to address teacher accommodation challenges. Dr. Magaji highlighted the construction of 20 new houses for teachers, with plans for continued construction in phases to tackle accommodation shortages in rural schools.
In addition to infrastructure development, the state government has prioritized teacher training. Dr. Magaji reported that over 17,000 primary school teachers have undergone training to enhance their skills and effectiveness.
Dr. Magaji emphasized the state government’s significant financial commitment to reviving primary education in Katsina.
He revealed that N15 billion has been invested so far in various initiatives, including construction and rehabilitation of schools, acquisition of teaching materials, and teacher training programs.
Dr. Magaji concluded by commending Governor Dikko Umar Radda for his unwavering financial support for the education sector in Katsina State.
These collaborative efforts between the World Bank and the state government are creating a brighter future for education in Katsina.