Katsina: NGF Chair and Minister Launch Radda Model Secondary School

A New Era in Education: The Radda Model Secondary School

The Radda Model Secondary School in Katsina State has been officially commissioned, marking a significant milestone in the state’s educational landscape. This project, built by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, has now been inaugurated by Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq. The school is hailed as a landmark initiative under the governor’s “Building Your Future” agenda.

A Vision Realized

Governor Radda shared that the concept of smart schools in Katsina was conceived over three decades ago. He emphasized that this initiative is a fulfillment of a long-standing vision to provide education that prepares students for both present and future challenges. “This school is not just about buildings; it is about shaping minds, nurturing talents, and preparing a generation that will compete globally and drive innovation,” he stated.

Radda also highlighted the importance of quality education in fostering excellence, innovation, and leadership among young people. He explained that the establishment of model schools across the state is rooted in his personal academic experience, reinforcing the belief that access to quality education is crucial for societal progress.

Modern Facilities and Merit-Based Admission

The Radda Model Secondary School is equipped with modern facilities, including science laboratories, ICT infrastructure, digital learning tools, 24-hour internet connectivity, stable electricity supply, libraries, sports facilities, and residential hostels for both students and teachers. Admission into the school was strictly merit-based, following competitive examinations conducted across all 34 Local Government Areas, with around 1,000 students selected to ensure fairness, equity, and inclusiveness.

The school is designed to prepare students for emerging global trends such as artificial intelligence, robotics, coding, digital governance, and other technology-driven disciplines. “Our goal is to produce innovators, problem-solvers, and future leaders who can compete effectively on the global stage,” Radda said.

Addressing Inequality and Expanding Access

The initiative aims to address inequality in access to quality education by identifying and nurturing talented children across the state, regardless of their socio-economic background. Governor Radda revealed that his administration has recruited over 7,325 teachers, trained more than 18,000 teachers, provided laptops to over 20,000 teachers, and awarded scholarships worth over ₦7 billion to students within and outside Nigeria.

He added that more than 75 secondary schools have been completed, while over 30 others are currently under construction, alongside the rehabilitation and furnishing of hundreds of classrooms across the state. These interventions reflect a sustained commitment to repositioning the education sector and ensuring that no child is left behind.

A Strategic Investment in Human Capital

The Radda Model School is the first of three planned model institutions across the state’s education zones. Governor Radda assured that the programme will be expanded to ensure equitable access to world-class learning facilities. He called on development partners and the private sector to support the initiative through scholarships, infrastructure partnerships, and teacher development programmes, stressing that education development is a shared responsibility.

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving teachers’ welfare, acknowledging existing challenges while assuring continuous support to enhance working conditions and professional dignity. He urged students to take full advantage of the opportunity, charging them to remain disciplined, focused, and committed to academic excellence.

A Collaborative Effort

Governor Abdulrahman described the project as a landmark achievement and a clear demonstration of purposeful leadership. He noted that the school represents more than a physical structure, describing it as a deliberate investment in the future, with modern classrooms, digital facilities, laboratories, and a functional boarding system. He stressed that infrastructure must be complemented by effective teaching, continuous teacher training, and functional learning systems to achieve meaningful outcomes.

Abdulrazaq commended the initiative for aligning with national efforts to position education as a driver of economic and social development, with emphasis on equity, quality, accountability, and inclusiveness. The NGF Chairman also called on parents, community leaders, and stakeholders to take ownership of the facility, stressing the importance of maintenance and community support.

A Model for Educational Transformation

Also speaking, the Minister of Education, Maruf Olatunji Alausa, described education as the most powerful investment any government can make. He noted that the establishment of the Radda Model School reflects a long-term vision for building future leaders. “This institution is not just infrastructure; it is a symbol of hope, opportunity, and empowerment for young people,” he said.

Dr. Alausa further stated that the project aligns with the Federal Government’s education reforms agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, focusing on expanding access, improving quality, strengthening technical and vocational education, and enhancing digital learning systems. He assured the Katsina State Government of continued federal support, describing the school as a model for educational transformation in Nigeria.

Katsina state Commissioner for Education, Yusuf Suleiman Jibia, described the project as a major milestone in the state’s education reform efforts. He emphasized that the initiative goes beyond infrastructure, focusing on equipping students with relevant future-ready skills while reinforcing education as a driver of sustainable development.

Lead Consultant of Hallmark Educational Consultancy Services, Hajiya Zainab Bugaje Jika, described the commissioning as a historic milestone and a reflection of a shared commitment to building a world-class education system. She disclosed that staff recruitment was conducted strictly on merit through a transparent process involving Computer-Based Tests, oral interviews, and micro-teaching assessments. According to her, 213 academic staff and 38 non-academic staff were engaged, while student admission was conducted fairly across all 34 local government areas to ensure equity and inclusiveness.

She added that the school is designed to prepare students for the future through modern learning areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, coding, entrepreneurship, and vocational skills, supported by fully equipped smart classrooms, science laboratories, and ICT facilities.

The event was attended by top government officials, members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers, traditional rulers, development partners, and key stakeholders in the education sector.