By Felix Khanoba
The Federal Government has reinforced its education reform drive with the commissioning of a renovated digital e-library at the Federal Government College (FGC), Kano, while reaffirming plans to proceed with the proposed land swap initiative at the institution despite ongoing discussions around the project.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, also announced plans to expand the network of bilingual schools designed to reduce the number of out-of-school children during an inspection tour of key education projects across Kano State.
The minister, accompanied by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, officials of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), senior ministry officials and the Kano State Commissioner for Education, visited several educational institutions, including the Bilingual School in Ungogo, the JICA-supported Junior Secondary School in Lenge, Tofa Local Government Area, Federal Government College, Kano, the National Commission for Mass Education (NMEC) office and Tarda Smart School.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, the inspection began at the bilingual school in Ungogo, where the minister expressed satisfaction with the progress of work.
He noted that the project was about 90 per cent completed and expected to be ready on or before August 31, 2026. He also directed that recruitment of teachers and other operational preparations commence immediately ahead of the school’s planned opening in September.
Alausa disclosed that another bilingual school would begin academic activities during the 2026 academic session, while a fourth facility is expected to become operational by June 2027.
He described the bilingual school initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at integrating Almajiri children and other vulnerable groups into formal education while equipping them with relevant knowledge and life skills.
The minister further stated that the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative had helped return over one million out-of-school children to classrooms within the past 24 months. He added that government efforts are now focused on ensuring the pupils remain in school through improved teaching standards, better learning facilities and sustained educational support.
At the JICA-supported Junior Secondary School in Lenge, Alausa inspected ongoing classroom construction, perimeter fencing and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities.
He said the junior secondary school would relocate to the new structures upon completion, while the existing buildings would be converted into a primary school. The Federal Government, he added, would provide furniture and carry out additional renovations to improve the learning environment.
At Federal Government College, Kano, the minister commissioned the upgraded digital e-library, describing it as a major investment in digital education.
The facility is powered by solar energy and equipped with air-conditioning, modern lighting and nearly 80 digital computer workstations to enhance students’ digital learning experience.
Dr. Alausa revealed that the present administration inherited 36 abandoned e-library projects across Unity Colleges but said UBEC had successfully completed the rehabilitation of 16 of them as part of efforts to modernise public schools nationwide.
He also met with students of the college and praised their confidence, communication skills and academic performance, describing them as evidence of the Federal Government’s commitment to human capital development.
Speaking on the proposed Public Private Partnership land swap arrangement at the college, the minister insisted that the initiative would go ahead, explaining that the project would unlock resources for improved classrooms, hostels and other essential infrastructure.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that every policy translates into better opportunities for our students. We have no interest other than providing quality education and improved infrastructure for Nigerian children,” the Minister said.
He also said the ministry remained open to collaborating with the college’s alumni association and other stakeholders interested in supporting the institution’s development through similar partnerships.
The inspection team later visited the National Commission for Mass Education office in Kano and Tarda Smart School, where the minister assessed programmes focused on improving foundational learning, expanding educational access, promoting digital innovation and supporting lifelong learning.
Earlier, Kano State Commissioner for Education, Ali Haruna, commended the Federal Government for its continued support for the state’s education sector.
He said the partnership between both levels of government had contributed significantly to improvements in school infrastructure, access to education and learning outcomes.
Haruna also noted that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s declaration of a state of emergency in education, backed by increased budgetary allocations, reflected the state’s determination to transform the sector.
According to him, Kano’s education reforms are in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and would continue to create better opportunities for children across the state.
A major highlight of the visit was the presentation of an Artificial Intelligence-powered school application developed by a student. The application is designed to improve teaching and learning, strengthen communication between schools and parents, monitor attendance and assignments, and provide students with remote access to learning materials.
Impressed by the innovation, Dr. Alausa directed the UBEC Director of Digital Platforms and Analytics to work with the student to explore opportunities for further development of the project.
The minister reiterated the Federal Ministry of Education’s commitment to implementing reforms that would improve schools, strengthen teaching quality and expand access to education across the country.
He assured Nigerians that the ministry would continue to prioritise digital learning, modern infrastructure and policies that prepare learners with the skills needed to contribute meaningfully to national development under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
