The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to advancing human capital development through inclusive, skills-based education initiatives. This strategic focus aims to equip Nigerian youth with essential competencies for global competitiveness and sustainable national growth.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Bilingual Education Boarding School in Kiru Local Government Area of Kano State on Tuesday, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, emphasized the pivotal role of education in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Sustained investment in education remains a core pillar of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s transformation agenda aimed at equipping Nigerian children with relevant skills for global competitiveness,” Prof. Ahmad stated.
The minister highlighted that the establishment of bilingual model schools nationwide is a deliberate effort to provide learners with linguistic proficiency, vocational training, and digital skills.
These institutions are designed to foster multilingual education, enabling students to thrive in diverse social and economic landscapes. Additionally, such programs are expected to significantly reduce the number of out-of-school children while enhancing learning outcomes through innovative, modern teaching methodologies.
Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ibrahim, pledged ongoing collaboration to maximize the impact of the new facility. He expressed optimism that the school would broaden access to quality education and contribute to lowering out-of-school rates in Kano and surrounding regions.
Governor Yusuf underscored the state’s dedication to education reform, including the recent declaration of a state of emergency in the sector to tackle longstanding issues such as substandard infrastructure and limited accessibility.
“Education must remain a top priority,” he affirmed, noting that quality education is vital for empowering children from disadvantaged backgrounds and building the skills necessary for success in an evolving global economy.
In her address, UBEC Executive Secretary, Aisha Garba, revealed that the Kiru school is part of a broader network of 30 Bilingual Education Model Schools under construction across nine states in Nigeria. Kano State hosts four of these schools, located in Doguwa, Ganduje, Ungoggo, and Kiru.
These model schools integrate English and Arabic literacy with technical and vocational education and training (TVET), information and communications technology (ICT) driven curricula, and secure boarding facilities.
Garba described the initiative as a testament to the Federal Government’s resolve to ensure safe, inclusive, and high-quality education for every Nigerian child. She assured continued support from UBEC, including teacher recruitment, effective management, and ongoing monitoring to sustain excellence.
This development aligns with broader national efforts under the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) and the National Policy on Skills Development, which prioritize hands-on training, critical thinking, and digital literacy across all educational levels.
By bridging skills gaps and promoting employability, the Federal Government aims to harness Nigeria’s youthful population over 60% under 25 years old, to drive economic diversification, innovation, and inclusive growth.