The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr Aisha Garba, has commissioned the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)/UBEC Bilingual Education Boarding School in Kiru Local Government Area of Kano State.

The school is one of 30 bilingual model schools being constructed across nine beneficiary states under a partnership between UBEC and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). Kano State is hosting four schools in Doguwa, Ganduje, Ungoggo, and Kiru, with the remaining three projects at advanced stages of completion.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Dr Garba described the project as a strategic intervention aimed at expanding equitable access to quality basic education, particularly for out-of-school and vulnerable children.

She noted that the bilingual model integrates Arabic and English literacy with modern pedagogy, technical and vocational education, Information Communication Technology (ICT) driven learning, and safe boarding facilities.

The UBEC boss said each model school has the capacity to accommodate over 1,000 students and is equipped with academic and administrative blocks, hostels, a multipurpose dining hall, staff quarters, vocational skills centres, a mosque, perimeter fencing, water supply, and other essential infrastructure.

Dr Garba said the commissioning reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to ensuring inclusive, safe, and high-quality education for every Nigerian child, while also demonstrating the impact of effective collaboration among federal and state governments, development partners, and host communities.

She commended the Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, for his strong support and cooperation, including the provision of land, security, and coordination throughout the execution of the project.

The UBEC Executive Secretary also appreciated the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, for their leadership and policy guidance, as well as the continued partnership of the Islamic Development Bank.

She assured that the Commission would continue to support the deployment of qualified teachers, strengthen school r systems, and ensure effective monitoring to sustain high standards in the operation of the school.

She further emphasised that the bilingual boarding schools were designed to serve as centres of excellence that could be replicated in other parts of the country, particularly in communities with high numbers of out-of-school children.
According to her, the initiative aligns with national efforts to address learning poverty, promote social inclusion, and bridge educational disparities between urban and rural areas through targeted investments in infrastructure and human capital development.

Dr Garba also called on parents, traditional rulers, and community leaders to take ownership of the facility and support its sustainability by encouraging enrolment, safeguarding school assets, and fostering a culture that values education. She expressed optimism that the Kiru model school would not only improve learning outcomes but also empower students with practical skills, moral values, and global competencies needed to contribute meaningfully to national development.

The Bilingual Education Model Schools initiative forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children, improve learning outcomes, and equip young Nigerians with skills relevant to national development.