Katsina smart schools target rural, disadvantaged children – Radda

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State, has said the state’s newly established model smart schools are specifically designed to provide free, world-class education to children from rural and disadvantaged backgrounds.

Radda made this known during the weekend when he led a delegation of 17 European Union envoys to Dumurkul Model Secondary School in Daura, one of three model schools established by his administration across the three political zones of the state.

According to the governor, admission into the schools is strictly merit-based, with priority given to pupils from public schools and rural communities.

“These schools provide opportunities for children from rural and disadvantaged backgrounds. Admission is merit-based, focusing on students from public schools and rural communities.

“The aim is to build the future of those who otherwise might not have opportunities, ensuring that in the next 20 to 30 years, these students can compete on the global stage,” Radda said.

The governor said the schools are equipped with 24-hour electricity, ICT-compliant classrooms, hostels and internet access, while tuition and other essentials would be provided free to students.

Speaking during the visit, Yusuf Suleiman Jibia, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, said the Dumurkul Model Secondary School was nearing completion and would be commissioned within two weeks.

He disclosed that students had already been enrolled, while teachers had also been recruited for the take-off of academic activities.

Jibia said the model schools were furnished with modern teaching and learning facilities and could be expanded to other parts of the state in the future.

Also speaking, the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Nigeria, Bengt van Loosdrecht, praised the Katsina State Government for investing in quality education and modern learning infrastructure.

After the inspection of the school project, the delegation visited the historic Kusugu Well in Daura, which the state government described as a major symbol of Katsina’s cultural heritage.

Radda said preserving historical sites alongside investments in education was important to protecting the legacy of the people.

“Kusugu Well is central to the history of Katsina. Immortalising this heritage alongside our educational investments helps preserve the legacy of our people,” he said.

The Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohamed Fouad, also commended the governor for preserving the state’s historical heritage and described the cultural night organised for the delegation as a strong reflection of Katsina’s rich traditions.

The delegation included the Deputy Governor, Faruk Lawal Jobe; the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Abdullahi Garba Faskari; members of the Katsina State Executive Council; and other senior government officials.