FG Priorities Skills-Based Education to Boost Human Capital

FG Prioritises Skills-Based Education to Boost Human Capital

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to human capital development through inclusive and skills-based education, emphasizing the need to equip Nigerian children with competencies for global competitiveness.

The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, made this known on Tuesday during the official inauguration of the IsDB–UBEC Bilingual Education Boarding School in Kiru Local Government Area of Kano State.

“Continuous investment in education is central to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s transformation agenda. Our aim is to equip Nigerian children with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy,” Prof. Ahmad said.

She added that the establishment of bilingual model schools across the country underscores the Federal Government’s determination to equip learners with linguistic, vocational, and digital skills. According to her, multilingual education not only enhances social and economic participation but also helps to reduce the number of out-of-school children and improve learning outcomes through modern teaching methods.

Speaking on behalf of Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ibrahim, pledged continued collaboration to ensure the school is fully utilised. He expressed optimism that the new facility would expand access to quality education and significantly reduce the number of out-of-school children in the state.

Ibrahim described the initiative as a strategic investment in opportunity, knowledge, and national development. He highlighted recent reforms in the state’s education sector, including the declaration of a state of emergency in education to tackle longstanding challenges such as poor standards and limited access.

“Education must remain a top priority. Ensuring quality learning opportunities for children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, is key to building the skills needed to compete globally,” he said.

Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba, disclosed that the Kiru school is one of 30 Bilingual Education Model Schools being built across nine states, with Kano hosting four, including facilities in Doguwa, Ganduje, Ungoggo, and Kiru.

The schools combine English and Arabic literacy with technical and vocational training, ICT-driven learning, and secure boarding facilities. Garba said the inauguration reflects the Federal Government’s dedication to providing safe, inclusive, and quality education for every Nigerian child, and assured that UBEC would continue supporting the school through teacher engagement, effective management, and regular monitoring.