Katsina State Government Prioritizes Education Development

By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar, Katsina Times

Katsina State Deputy Governor, Malam Faruq Lawal HCIB, has emphasized the government's commitment to improving the education sector during his monthly press briefing at the Old Government House in Katsina. The briefing focused on the progress made in enhancing education across the state.

According to Malam Faruq, the administration of Governor Malam Dikko Umar Radda has been dedicated to revitalizing education to secure a brighter future for the people of Katsina. He stated that significant investments have been made at all levels, from primary education to higher institutions, to ensure quality learning and teaching.

He disclosed that the state government, through the Katsina State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), has spent ₦9.1 billion to construct 160 new classrooms, renovate 258, drill 81 boreholes, build 46 toilets, and provide 20 teachers' residences. Additionally, the government has supplied 612 teachers' chairs and 14,602 students' seats to improve the learning environment.

The deputy governor further revealed that under the Tertiary Institution Strengthening (TIS) program, ₦5.6 billion was allocated for the construction of 150 new schools, installation of solar-powered electricity, drilling of boreholes, and procurement of modern teaching materials.

At the secondary education level, the government invested ₦6.8 billion in constructing and renovating secondary schools, procuring textbooks and teaching materials, and paying students' examination fees. Moreover, new model schools were built in the three senatorial zones, alongside the renovation of schools like GSS Ingawa and GGSS Kabomo.

Regarding science and technical education, Malam Faruq stated that ₦1.4 billion was spent on the construction and renovation of technical colleges, including GTC Mashi and GSS Kafur. The government also provided teachers with training programs, modern equipment such as computers, solar-powered systems, and surveillance vehicles to enhance learning and teaching conditions.

Furthermore, the AGILE program, which promotes girls' education, has facilitated the construction of 75 new schools, renovation of 578 existing ones, and financial assistance to 4,111 female students to support their education.

In conclusion, Deputy Governor Malam Faruq Lawal reiterated that the Katsina State Government's interventions in education have significantly increased school enrollment and improved learning conditions across the state. He affirmed the administration’s continuous commitment to investing in the sector for sustainable development.