SUMAILA SPECIAL PRIMARY SCHOOL: NINE DECADES OF EXCELLENCE, LEADERSHIP AND QUALITY BASIC EDUCATION

Source: Ali Ahmad

Initiative: Corporate Communications Department, SUBEB Kano

Founded in 1935, Sumaila Special Primary School, located at Tsohuwar Kasuwa, Sumaila, under the Sumaila Local Government Education Authority (LGEA), remains one of the oldest and most prestigious public primary schools in Kano State. For over 90 years, the school has continued to nurture generations of learners who have gone on to become respected leaders, professionals and public servants at both state and national levels.

With a vision of becoming a leading centre of primary education that promotes academic excellence, moral integrity and lifelong learning, the school is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and stimulating learning environment where every child is equipped with the foundational knowledge and values required for future success.

Today, the school serves 2,779 pupils, comprising 1,350 boys and 1,429 girls, reflecting its strong commitment to inclusive education and the promotion of girl-child enrolment. Teaching and learning are facilitated by 26 teachers, supported by 7 non-teaching staff, across 19 classrooms.

The school provides essential educational facilities including a library, playground, and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities. Community participation remains a major pillar of the school’s success through active collaboration with the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), School-Based Management Committee (SBMC), Mothers’ Association (MA) and the Old Pupils’ Association (OPA).

Over the years, Sumaila Special Primary School has earned recognition for outstanding academic performance in primary school competitions and for maintaining high transition rates of pupils into post-primary education.

Historical Leadership (Head Teachers)

S/N.    Head Teacher.      Tenure

1.      Malam Muntari.    1935–1937

2.       Malam Awaisu.      1937–1938

3.       Malam Balarabe.     1938–1946

4.       Malam Amadu.        1946–1950

5.       Malam Sama’ila.     1950–1951

6.       Isa Balarabe Wudil. 1950–1952

7.       Usman Gwarzo.     1952–1954

8.        Santali Wudil.        1952–1955

9.       Magaji Danbatta.    1955–1957

10.     Garba Rano.        1957–1959

11.     Sule Joli Ringim. 1959–1960

12.      Garba Rano.          1960

13.   Idi Tudun Wuzirci.  1960–1968

14.    Audi Ahmad.          1968

15.  Iliyasu Muhd Utai.   1968–1972

16.   Hassan Tijjani.     1972–1973

17.    Umar Farouk.      1973–1976

18.      Ado Yau.           1976–1978

19. Alhaji Dahiru Shaaibu. 1978–1983

20. Malam Garba Muhd.   1978–1987

21. Ibrahim Dangogo.  1987–1988

22.  Ado Yau.                1988–1989

23.   Isyaku Ibrahim G.     1989

24.   Kabiru Idris Faradaci. 1989–1991

25.   Abdullahi Ibrahim Sule. 1991–1993

26.   Yahaya Abdu.      1993–1994

27.   Sani Iliyasu Utai.  1994–2001

28.  Isa Idris.              2002–2004

29.   Musa Sa’adu.     2004–2005

30.   Sabo Muhammad. 2005–2007

31.   Ali Kabir.          2007–2008

32. Muhammad Sharu. 2008–2014

33.  Malam Abdussalam. 2014–2016

34.   Haladu Adamu.    2016–2017

35.  Dalhatu Abdussalam. 2017–2023

36. Malam Abdussalam. 2023–Date

Distinguished Alumni

The school has produced many eminent Nigerians whose contributions continue to shape governance, public service and national development, including:

Abba Kabir Yusuf – Executive Governor of Kano State

Muhammad Abubakar Rimi – Former Governor of Kano State

Sani Ibrahim

Muhammad Mua’azu (Rtd)

Bashir Dalhatu

Muktar Abbas Yakasai

Basiru Iro Maaji

Nura Iro Maaji – Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Public Procurement, Project Monitoring and Evaluation

Despite its remarkable achievements, the school faces challenges including the urgent need for a modern perimeter fence, improved security, and additional classrooms to accommodate its growing pupil population. Looking ahead, the school plans to establish an ICT and digital literacy centre, expand classroom facilities, renovate existing structures and strengthen continuous professional development for teachers.

As Sumaila Special Primary School celebrates more than nine decades of service, it stands as a shining symbol of educational excellence and community partnership. Its enduring legacy, rich leadership history and outstanding alumni continue to reinforce its reputation as one of Kano State’s foremost institutions for foundational learning, producing generations of responsible citizens and transformational leaders.