From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
Following the rising insecurity in neighbouring states, as well as congestion in mega primary and secondary schools located in the hinterlands, Kano state government has commenced the conversion of non-approved lands, structures within the metropolitan city into mega schools.
A Statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information, Malam Muhammad Garba and made available to journalists in Kano on Monday, indicated that the move was to ensure the safety of students and pupils in boarding schools, and as well create conducive learning environment for them.
The statement stated that: “In view of the prevailing security challenges, coupled with the congestion of schools in the outskirt of the city, Kano state government has commenced the revocation of illegally acquired or not properly documented properties and structures within the metropolitan area for the establishment of mega secondary schools.”
Malam Garba said, “the measure is aimed at decongesting the boarding schools across the 36 local government areas following persistent abduction of students from boarding schools in neighboring states.”
According to him, “while the government was currently reviewing the security situation in the face of the recent offensive against bandits, kidnappers and other criminals in forests adjoining the state, government would be proactive in adopting measures that secure its schools.”
Malam Garba cited one of such confiscated and converted properties at Filin Bola along Court Road in Tarauni local government which has no building permit where government would establish such Mega school.
He said when it takes off, “the school would have among others, as its specifications a storey block of 18 classrooms, a stirey block of laboratories, multi-purpose hall, administrative block, sports arena, VIP toilets, state-of-the-art science equipment.”
The Commissioner further explained that government has noted with concern, how congestion is creating incompatible atmosphere for teaching and learning in the schools as well as the portending dangers students are exposed to in the schools.
He also revealed that government would also confiscate property developed on areas not earmarked for the purpose it was meant for.
Malam Garba, however, pointed out that, “government was currently looking into cases of land approvals for residential purposes but converted to shops or commercial plots that are now turned to residential buildings and vice versa.”
