FG earmarks N80 billion to revamp unity colleges nationwide

THE Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, has revealed that the Federal Government will expend   N80 billion for the renovation and upgrade of more than 100 unity schools across the nation. 

Ahmad made this known during an unscheduled inspection tour of some Federal Government’s unity schools in Kano State. 

The unscheduled visit took the Minister to the Federal Government College (FGC), Kano, and Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Kazaure, as part of efforts to assess infrastructure, teaching standards, and students’ welfare in these institutions. 

Professor Suwaiba in the course of the visit engaged directly with school leadership, teachers, and students, gaining first-hand insights into the conditions of the schools and the challenges they face. 

She explained that the inspection was not ceremonial but a deliberate effort to align the government’s policies with realities on the ground, adding that, by listening and observing operations in real-time, the ministry seeks to implement more targeted and impactful interventions.    

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She explained that this investment reflects the government’s determination to improve the quality of education through the provision of modern and conducive learning environments. 

She further revealed that the ministry is developing a national digital platform for teacher training, saying the platform will enable teachers nationwide to access contemporary instructional resources and professional development opportunities, regardless of their location. 

According to the minister, empowering teachers with up-to-date pedagogical skills is central to achieving sustainable improvement in education delivery.

In addition, the minister highlighted the importance of maintaining appropriate student-teacher ratios, implementing regular quality assurance assessments, and promoting inclusive education. 

She noted that Conditional Cash Transfers (CCTs) remain a vital tool in supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds, improving access to education and reducing dropout rates.

At FGC Kano, the minister was received by the principal, Mrs Hafsat Adebayo, who expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as timely and encouraging. 

Professor Suwaiba addressed the students, urging them to pursue academic excellence while cultivating values such as discipline, honesty, and integrity. 

She cautioned against examination malpractice and reminded them that education should shape not only what they know but who they become.

The inspection continued at FGGC Kazaure, where the minister not only assessed facilities including classrooms, laboratories, and the ICT centre but tasted the food prepared for the boarding students. 

She expressed concern over the state of some infrastructure, particularly the lack of internet connectivity in the ICT centre, and assured the school management that such challenges would be prioritised. 

The principal of the college, Mrs Feniah Vokito, outlined key areas requiring urgent attention and commended the minister for her proactive engagement.

Professor Suwaiba described the Unity Colleges as pillars of national unity and academic excellence, stating that the Federal Government remains committed to strengthening their capacity and relevance. 

She emphasised that investment in infrastructure must be complemented by investments in human capital, strong leadership, and continuous policy support to ensure these institutions fulfil their foundational mandate.

“The inspection tour marks a proactive shift in the Ministry’s approach to governance, rooted in transparency, accountability, and stakeholder collaboration. It reflects the resolve of the Federal Ministry of Education to transform Unity Schools into centres of excellence capable of nurturing future generations and advancing national development,” she said.