FG Commissions Digital E-Library In Kano, Expands Bilingual Schools To Tackle Out-of-School Crisis
The Federal Government has commissioned a renovated digital e-library at the Federal Government College (FGC), Kano, and reaffirmed plans to expand bilingual schools as part of efforts to improve access to quality education and reduce the number of out-of-school children.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, announced the initiatives during an inspection of key Federal Government education projects in Kano State alongside the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, and other education officials.
According to a statement by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, the Minister inspected the Bilingual School in Ungogo, the JICA supported Junior Secondary School in Lenge, Tofa Local Government Area, Federal Government College, Kano, the National Commission for Mass Education (NMEC) office and Tarda Smart School.
At the Bilingual School in Ungogo, Dr. Alausa said the project is about 90 per cent complete and is expected to be delivered by August 31, 2026. He directed that recruitment of teachers and other preparations begin immediately to enable the school admit its first students in September.
He disclosed that a third bilingual school would commence academic activities in the 2026 academic session, while a fourth is expected to open by June 2027. He described the initiative as a key strategy for integrating Almajiri and other vulnerable children into formal education.
The Minister said the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative has returned more than one million out-of-school children to classrooms over the past 24 months, adding that the government is also focused on improving learning quality and retention.
At the JICA supported Junior Secondary School in Lenge, he inspected ongoing construction of classrooms, perimeter fencing and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities. He announced that the junior secondary school would relocate to the new buildings upon completion, while the existing structures would be converted into a primary school with additional Federal Government support for renovation and furnishing.
At Federal Government College, Kano, Dr. Alausa commissioned the upgraded digital e-library, describing it as a major step towards preparing students for a technology driven future. The facility is equipped with solar power, air conditioning, modern lighting and about 80 computer workstations.
He revealed that the present administration inherited 36 abandoned e-library projects across Unity Colleges, noting that 16 have now been rehabilitated through the intervention of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
The Minister also reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to its proposed Public Private Partnership (PPP) land swap initiative, saying the policy would help generate funds for improved classrooms, hostels and other infrastructure in public schools.
During the visit, Dr. Alausa commended a student who developed an Artificial Intelligence powered school application designed to improve teaching, communication between schools and parents, attendance monitoring and access to learning materials.
He directed UBEC’s Director of Digital Platforms and Analytics to engage the student and explore ways to support the innovation.
Kano State Commissioner for Education, Ali Haruna, commended the Federal Government’s interventions in the state’s education sector, describing its collaboration with the Kano State Government as critical to improving access, infrastructure and learning outcomes.
Dr. Alausa reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding access to quality education, strengthening digital learning, modernising infrastructure and implementing reforms aimed at building a future ready education system.
