The Federal Government has commissioned a Smart Secondary School in Katsina State as part of ongoing efforts to modernise Nigeria’s education system and equip students with digital skills for the future.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, said technology-driven learning remains central to building a globally competitive workforce.
“Technology-driven education is no longer optional; it is the foundation upon which Nigeria’s future workforce must be built,” the Minister stated.
He described the newly inaugurated Katsina State Smart Secondary School in Radda as more than just infrastructure, noting that it represents “innovation, opportunity, and a deliberate investment in the nation’s future.”
“This Smart School goes beyond buildings and equipment. It is a strategic intervention designed to equip our children with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in a digital, knowledge-driven global economy,” Alausa said.
The Minister commended the Katsina State Government’s education blueprint, saying it aligns with the administration’s broader reform agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Highlighting recent achievements in the education sector, Alausa disclosed that states have accessed over ₦106 billion in Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) matching grants.
“Through UBEC matching grants, we have seen the renovation of over 10,000 classrooms, the training of hundreds of thousands of teachers, and the distribution of millions of textbooks nationwide,” he noted.
He also pointed to ongoing reforms, including the expansion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), introduction of the Learner Identification Number, and deployment of a cloud-based Annual School Census.
“We are strengthening data-driven planning in education through initiatives like the Learner Identification Number and the Annual School Census. These reforms will ensure no child is left behind,” he added.
On skills acquisition, the Minister revealed that more than 160,000 youths are currently enrolled in over 1,200 TVET centres across the country.
“The over one million applications recorded in our TVET programme clearly show that Nigerian youths are ready to embrace skills-based education,” he said.
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, described the Smart School project as a strategic investment in the future of the state.
“This project is a deliberate investment in the future of our children, especially those from underserved communities who deserve access to quality, modern education,” Radda said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, praised the initiative and called for effective utilisation.
“We must ensure that facilities like this are fully utilised to deliver real value and transform learning outcomes across our states,” AbdulRazaq stated.
The Federal Ministry of Education said it will continue to collaborate with state governments and partners to expand access to inclusive, technology-driven education, positioning the Katsina Smart Secondary School as a model for future learning across Nigeria.