Kano govt partners Islamic Development Bank to establish 4 bilingual schools in Kano
*Distributes 789,000 uniforms
Press Release
14/01/2024
By KEMI KASUMU
The Kano State Government has unveiled plans to collaborate with the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) towards establishing four bilingual schools in the Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre.
The schools, it said, will offer education in both English and Arabic Languages.
In a statement, issued by the Governor’s Spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the landmark initiative is said to be part of efforts to integrate Almajiri children into the formal education system and reduce the number of out-of-school children in the state.
According to the statement sent to The DEFENDER, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf made the announcement during the launch and distribution of 789,000 school uniforms to pupils in 7,092 public schools across Kano’s 44 local government areas in the state.
Speaking at the event, held at the Government House, the governor emphasized that improving education remains a top priority for his administration.
“We are working with the Islamic Development Bank to build four bilingual schools that will provide Almajiris with access to formal education, reducing the number of children roaming the streets,” Governor Yusuf said.
“Our integrated Tsangaya system has also been reviewed to ensure the completion of schools across all local governments,” it said.
The governor highlighted several achievements under his administration’s declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector, which has led to the construction of 336 new classrooms, the renovation of 119 dilapidated ones, and the provision of over 53,000 three-seater desks and chairs in the first phase.
These facilities are expected to serve over 160,000 pupils.
In addition, more than 1.3 million textbooks have been distributed, and 45,000 girls have benefited from a conditional cash transfer of N20,000 each to support their education.
Governor Yusuf reassured the people of Kano of his administration’s unwavering commitment to revitalizing the education sector.
“Education is not just a promise—it is a core pillar of our governance blueprint,” he stated.
The governor also expressed gratitude to the people of Kano for their continued support and pledged to deliver more transformative initiatives in the sector.
This partnership with the IDB is expected to bolster the state’s drive to provide equitable and inclusive education, setting a new standard for addressing the challenges of out-of-school children in northern Nigeria.
