FG, Kano Govt Commission ISDB–UBEC Bilingual Boarding School in Kiru, Strengthen Drive for Inclusive Education

By JB Danlami

The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Kano State Government and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), has commissioned the ISDB–UBEC Bilingual Boarding Education School in Kiru Local Government Area of Kano State, reinforcing a shared commitment to inclusive, skills-oriented and quality education.

The commissioning ceremony, which drew top federal and state government officials, development partners and education stakeholders, marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to expand access to modern basic education while addressing the challenge of out-of-school children.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, described the school as a strategic investment in human capital development and a reflection of his administration’s determination to reposition the education sector.

Governor Yusuf said the Bilingual Boarding Education School, funded through the Islamic Development Bank–Federal Government partnership, is designed to provide inclusive, culturally relevant and globally competitive education by integrating Western education with Arabic and Islamic studies. He recalled that his administration declared a State of Emergency in Education, which led to far-reaching reforms including teacher recruitment, infrastructure expansion and improved funding.

He highlighted key achievements recorded in the sector, such as the recruitment of over 13,815 qualified teachers, construction and renovation of thousands of classrooms, distribution of free uniforms and textbooks, and increased budgetary allocation to education beyond the UNESCO benchmark. He assured that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure the smooth take-off and sustainability of the school.

Earlier, the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, said sustained investment in education remains central to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that education is critical to preparing Nigerian children for global competitiveness.

Professor Suwaiba explained that the bilingual model schools initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to providing learners with strong linguistic foundations alongside vocational, technical and digital skills. She noted that multilingual education enhances learners’ adaptability and productivity in diverse social and economic settings.

She added that the initiative is also targeted at reducing the number of out-of-school children while improving learning outcomes through modern teaching methods, calling on host communities to take ownership of the facilities to ensure long-term sustainability.

In her remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Hajiya Aisha Garba, disclosed that the Kiru school is one of 30 Bilingual Education Model Schools being developed across nine states, with four located in Kano State at Doguwa, Ganduje, Ungoggo and Kiru.

According to her, the schools integrate English and Arabic literacy, Technical and Vocational Education, ICT-driven learning, and secure boarding facilities, each designed to accommodate over 1,000 students with full academic and residential infrastructure.

Also speaking, the Director-General, Corporate Services of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Dr Mohammed Simsim, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting initiatives that expand access to quality education. He noted that the Kiru school is expected to significantly reduce the number of out-of-school children and improve educational outcomes in Kano State and beyond.