The Federal Government has introduced a major initiative worth N47.5 billion to upgrade 50 secondary schools across Nigeria. This project represents the first phase of a broader strategy aimed at improving the quality of education nationwide.
The initiative will focus on modernizing school facilities to create better learning environments. This includes equipping schools with essential resources to help students excel in a competitive future. Dr. Iyela Ajayi, Executive Secretary of the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC), announced the launch on Wednesday at Government Secondary School, Koton Karfe, in Kogi State.
Dr. Ajayi said the project includes fixing infrastructure, upgrading facilities, and building skills. Each state will get at least one school renovated in this first phase. He thanked President Bola Tinubu for backing this crucial project and stressed its urgency, based on a review of more than 40,000 senior secondary schools in Nigeria. He praised President Bola Tinubu for supporting this important project and emphasized the urgent need for such an intervention, based on an assessment of over 40,000 senior secondary schools in Nigeria.
“We have allocated funds for a comprehensive intervention that addresses infrastructure, facilities, and capacity building for senior secondary education,” Dr. Ajayi stated. “This sector is vital for the future of our children, and neglecting it means neglecting their future.”
The first phase of the project will see approximately N47.5 billion invested in these 50 schools, with plans to report progress to President Tinubu and other ministers upon completion. The initiative aims to ensure the timely and high-quality execution of the project, with FirstMan Industries contracted to carry out the work.
Arc. Maimuna Umar, Head of Physical Planning at NSSEC, outlined the project’s features. It will include building a well-equipped laboratory, an ICT Center, an e-library, and a 10KVA inverter to power the computers. A borehole will also be installed for water, and each classroom will be set up to hold at least 46 students.
Mr. Yunusa Dauda, the Principal of Government Secondary School, expressed gratitude for the long-awaited upgrade. “For over 30 years, we struggled with inadequate facilities. We are deeply thankful to all involved, including the Honourable Minister, the Chairman, the Executive Secretary of NSSEC, the Minister of Education, and President Tinubu, for recognizing our need for significant improvements.”
Mr. Emmanuel Akanonu, Managing Director of FirstMan Industries Limited, assured full cooperation and a strong commitment to ensuring the project’s success. He emphasized that his company is dedicated to delivering a high-quality outcome, meeting all standards and expectations set for this important initiative.
