….Commissions 500-capacity conference hall.
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda has flagged off the second disbursement of School Improvement Grants valued at Six Billion, One Hundred and Sixteen Million, Three Hundred and Forty-Three Thousand, Four Hundred and Seventy-Seven Naira (₦6,116,343,477.00) to benefit 110 schools across Katsina State.
The Governor made this announcement at the flag-off ceremony held at the TESS Project Office in Katsina, describing the initiative as clear evidence of his administration’s unwavering commitment to improving educational standards.
Governor Radda emphasized that education remains a key priority because sustainable development is only achievable through meaningful investment in human capital. He outlined his vision to build an inclusive, functional, and accountable education system capable of preparing children to compete effectively in the modern world.
“Our vision is to build an education system that is inclusive, functional, accountable, and capable of preparing our children to compete effectively in the modern world,” the Governor stated.
The School Improvement Grant initiative represents a strategic intervention designed to strengthen grassroots schools by providing direct support to address critical infrastructural and learning needs.
The second phase of disbursement will support construction of additional classrooms, renovation of dilapidated school structures, provision of gender-sensitive toilet facilities, and access to safe and potable water in line with UBEC minimum standards.
Governor Radda also commissioned a newly constructed 500-capacity conference hall at the TESS Project office and distributed specialized learning materials for children with special needs at the School for the Blind, Katsina, and the School for the Deaf, Malumfashi.
The Governor noted that the TESS Project has continued to record significant achievements in advancing the education sector. Through the project, textbooks in Mathematics, English, and Computer Studies have been distributed to pupils. Digital tablets have been provided to teachers while 28,000 teachers received training on modern teaching methodologies, classroom practices, and Structured Pedagogy.
“To support inclusive education, learning materials and assistive devices have been provided to schools serving children with special needs. Additionally, CCTV cameras have been installed in 130 schools to strengthen security and create safer learning environments. Motorcycles have also been provided to Monitoring and Evaluation Officers across all 34 Local Government Education Authorities to enhance supervision in rural communities,” the Governor maintained.
Governor Radda called on School-Based Management Committees, parents, community leaders, and teachers to support these efforts and ensure proper utilization and maintenance of executed projects.
“These funds must be utilized with the highest level of transparency, prudence, and accountability, strictly in accordance with the approved guidelines,” the Governor emphasized.
The State Government has constituted a dedicated monitoring committee comprising representatives from anti-corruption agencies, the State Project Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Team, the Katsina State Development Management Board, and the Office of the Head of Service. The TESS Project Coordinator serves as the committee secretary.
According to the governor, “The monitoring team will ensure all projects meet prescribed UBEC Minimum Standards and help position Katsina State to attain performance-based rewards from the World Bank and other donor agencies.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hon. Yusuf Suleiman Jibia, remarked that the AGILE Project is advancing inclusive education through distribution of specialized learning materials to learners with special needs.
“This important intervention underscores our collective resolve to ensure that every child, irrespective of physical condition or learning difficulty, is given equal opportunity to learn, grow, and realize their full potential,” Commissioner Jibia stated.
He emphasized that basic education serves as the bedrock upon which all other levels of learning are built, describing it as the greatest instrument for social transformation and national development.
Additionally, Alhaji Kabir Magaji, Chairman of the Katsina State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), commended Governor Radda’s giant strides in the education sector.
“Your giant strides in the education sector have restored hope and renewed confidence among communities, parents, teachers, and learners. We at SUBEB remain profoundly grateful for your continuous support, encouragement, and fatherly guidance,” Magaji stated.
On his part, Abubakar Abdulhamid, State Project Coordinator of the AGILE Project, reported that 104,111 girls students have benefited from the project’s conditional cash transfer incentive to support their schooling.
He said the intervention has contributed significantly to improved school attendance, reduced dropout rates, and increased transition rates. Primary to JSS transition reached 71 percent while JSS to SSS transition achieved 89 percent.
“Under Phase I implementation, 75 new secondary schools have been constructed with 65 already completed and handed over. A total of 581 secondary schools have been upgraded through School Improvement Grants, benefiting over 778,000 students. The project has renovated 3,099 classrooms and constructed 279 new ones,” Abubakar explained.
Hajiya Binta Abdulmumini, State Project Coordinator of the TESS Project, outlined remarkable achievements recorded under Governor Radda’s leadership. An 18-seater project vehicle has been procured to facilitate efficient project coordination and supervision across the state.
The project has distributed 25,000 copies each of Fortune Mathematics, English, and Computer Studies textbooks for Primary 4 to 6 pupils. CCTV cameras have been installed in 130 schools to enhance security. Seventy motorcycles have been procured for Monitoring and Evaluation Officers and Quality Assurance Officers across the 34 Local Government Education Authorities.
“Under the visionary, purposeful, and transformational leadership of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Katsina State, the TESS Project has recorded significant milestones and remarkable achievements aimed at strengthening the education sector,” Hajiya Binta Abdulmumini noted.
The event was graced by top government officials, development partners among other critical stakeholders.
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