The Katsina State Government has joined forces with the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment to distribute N4.4 billion in grants to 100 secondary schools across the state.

The initiative, known as the ‘Large Grant – Phase II,’ held its event at GSSS Doro in Bindawa Local Government Area.

This substantial fund aims to renovate an additional 100 junior and senior secondary schools, emphasizing the commitment to enhancing educational quality and development in the state.

Governor Dikko Radda expressed dedication to improving educational infrastructure, ensuring a conducive learning environment for students.

The governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Digital Media, Isah Miqdad, conveyed this commitment in a tweet, affirming the administration’s pursuit of excellence in education and provision of well-equipped classrooms to foster creativity.

“The Dikko-led administration will not relent to achieve excellence in education and to provide students with well-equipped classrooms and facilities that encourage learning and foster creativity,” he said.

Commissioner Hadiza Yaradua, from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, detailed the N44 million grants allocated to each beneficiary school.

Addressing challenges such as dilapidated structures, lack of appropriate furniture, and insufficient learning materials, the disbursement marks the fourth initiative of its kind.

Previous grants covered small grants for 578 schools, large grant phase I for 188 schools, and mega grants for 15 schools.

The funds serve to upgrade school infrastructure, including classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and administrative blocks.

Dr. Mustapha Shehu, the state coordinator of AGILE, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, emphasizing the role of partnerships in achieving sustainable educational development.

The AGILE project, focused on improving education for all, particularly adolescent girls, has contributed to the construction of 150 new secondary schools and the training of over 2,000 teachers in two years.

The event, attended by local authorities, traditional rulers, and religious leaders, underscores the collective effort towards advancing education in Katsina State.