Katsina Government Flags Off Construction of 30 New Senior Secondary Schools to Boost Access to Education

The Katsina State Government has approved the construction of 30 new senior secondary schools across the state as part of ongoing efforts to expand access to quality education and strengthen learning infrastructure.

The approval, granted by Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, PhD, CON, has paved the way for the official handover of construction sites to contractors by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, signalling the immediate commencement of work.

The site handover exercise began on Monday in selected communities within Batagarawa and Katsina Local Government Areas, marking the first phase of the implementation. The schools include new senior secondary schools at Commercial Junior Secondary School, Kayauki; Government Science Junior Secondary School, Batagarawa; and Kiddies International School, Old Low-Cost Area, Katsina.

Speaking during the handover ceremony at Kiddies International School, Chairman of Katsina Local Government, Hon. Isah Mikidad A.D. Saude, described the project as a significant milestone that will improve access to secondary education for residents of Kofar Marusa, Old Low-Cost, Mani House, and neighbouring communities. He commended Governor Radda’s unwavering commitment to education and development reforms.

Also commenting, State Project Coordinator of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), Dr. Mustapha Shehu, said the initiative represents a bold expansion strategy aimed at repositioning the state’s education sector. He urged community members and stakeholders to monitor the projects to ensure accountability and quality delivery.

Director of Works at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, QS Shamsudeen Hassan, warned contractors to adhere strictly to project specifications and timelines. He advised site watchmen to protect construction materials and equipment throughout the building process.

At Government Science Junior Secondary School, Batagarawa, and Commercial Junior Secondary School, Kayauki, Hassan explained that the governor’s approval covers the construction of 30 senior secondary schools within existing school premises across the state, stressing that the handover exercise officially marks the commencement of the projects.

Representatives of School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) in Batagarawa expressed appreciation to the governor for prioritising education development, while one of the contractors, Alhaji Abubakar Saleh, assured that work would be executed according to approved standards, with mobilisation set to begin next week.

Chairman of Batagarawa Local Government, Hon. Yahya Lawal Kawo, also praised Governor Radda for consistent investment in education and infrastructure, noting that residents remain grateful for the administration’s interventions.

The event was witnessed by officials of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, SUBEB, contractors, consultants, traditional leaders, and education stakeholders. The Ministry confirmed that site handovers for the remaining approved schools will continue in the coming days.