UBEC builds IsDB bilingual education boarding school in Kano

From Fred Ezeh, Abuja

The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr Aisha Garba, has commissioned the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)/UBEC Bilingual Education Boarding School in Kiru Local Government Area of Kano State.

UBEC, in a statement, explained that the school is one of 30 bilingual model schools being constructed across nine beneficiary states under a partnership between UBEC and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). Kano State is hosting four of the schools, located in Doguwa, Ganduje, Ungoggo, and Kiru, with the remaining three projects at advanced stages of completion.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Dr Garba described the project as a strategic intervention aimed at expanding equitable access to quality basic education, particularly for out-of-school and vulnerable children.

She noted that the bilingual model integrates Arabic and English literacy with modern pedagogy, technical and vocational education, ICT-driven learning, and safe boarding facilities.

Each model school has the capacity to accommodate over one thousand students and is equipped with academic and administrative blocks, hostels, a multipurpose dining hall, staff quarters, vocational skills centres, a mosque, perimeter fencing, water supply and other essential infrastructure.

Dr Garba said the commissioning reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensuring inclusive, safe and high-quality education for every Nigerian child, while also demonstrating the impact of effective collaboration among federal and state governments, development partners, and host communities.

She commended the Executive Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his strong support and cooperation, including the provision of land, security, and coordination throughout the execution of the project.

The UBEC Executive Secretary also appreciated the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, for their leadership and policy guidance, as well as the continued partnership of the Islamic Development Bank.

She assured that UBEC would continue to support the deployment of qualified teachers, strengthen school management systems, and ensure effective monitoring to sustain high standards in the operation of the school.

The Bilingual Education Model Schools initiative forms part of the federal government’s efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children, improve learning outcomes, and equip young Nigerians with skills relevant to national development.