The Federal Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to revitalising Unity Schools nationwide.
This assurance was delivered during an unannounced inspection tour by the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, to Federal Government College (FGC), Kano, and Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Kazaure.
The strategic tour aimed to assess infrastructure, academic standards, and student welfare in Unity Schools as part of a broader reform initiative under the Federal Ministry of Education.
Speaking during the visits, Professor Suwaiba clarified that the tour was far from ceremonial.
“The inspection was not ceremonial but a deliberate effort to align government policies with realities on the ground,” she said.
“By listening and observing operations in real-time, the Ministry seeks to implement more targeted and impactful interventions.”
The minister revealed that the Federal Government has earmarked over 80 billion for the renovation and upgrade of more than 100 Unity Schools across the country, underlining a determined shift toward educational excellence.
“This investment reflects the government’s determination to improve the quality of education through the provision of modern and conducive learning environments,” she explained.
Professor Suwaiba further disclosed that a national digital platform is currently in development to support continuous teacher training and professional development.
“This platform will enable teachers nationwide to access contemporary instructional resources and professional development opportunities, regardless of their location,” she said. “Empowering teachers with up-to-date pedagogical skills is central to achieving sustainable improvement in education delivery.”
The minister also stressed the importance of maintaining appropriate student-teacher ratios, conducting regular quality assurance assessments, and promoting inclusive education. She noted that Conditional Cash Transfers (CCTs) remain a crucial intervention for improving educational access among students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
At FGC Kano, Professor Suwaiba was received by the Principal, Mrs. Hafsat Adebayo, who lauded the visit as “timely and encouraging.”
The minister addressed the students, urging them to pursue academic excellence and uphold values of discipline, honesty, and integrity.
“Education should shape not only what you know but who you become,” she cautioned, warning students against examination malpractice.
The inspection continued at FGGC Kazaure, where the Minister toured classrooms, science labs, and the ICT centre. She even tasted the food served to boarding students to assess their welfare more intimately. Concerned by the lack of internet access in the ICT centre, she promised swift government intervention.
The school’s Principal, Mrs. Feniah Vokito, outlined the institution’s pressing needs and praised the Minister for her proactive stance. “Your engagement gives us renewed hope,” she said.
Describing Unity Schools as “pillars of national unity and academic excellence,” Professor Suwaiba reiterated the government’s resolve to strengthen their role in shaping Nigeria’s future.
“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,” she emphasized.
The inspection tour signals a new era in the Ministry’s approach—one grounded in transparency, accountability, and collaboration with stakeholders—as the government pushes to reposition Unity Schools as centres of excellence for national development.
