The Katsina State government is prioritizing access to quality education for children from rural and disadvantaged communities through its new smart schools initiative, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has stated. He highlighted the programme while hosting a delegation of 17 European Union envoys during a visit to one of the project sites in Daura.

Governor Radda explained that the smart schools are designed to provide free, high-standard education to pupils from public schools and underprivileged backgrounds. Admission is merit-based, with preference given to students from rural areas, ensuring that talented children have the opportunity to compete globally in the future.

These schools are equipped with modern facilities, including ICT-enabled classrooms, 24-hour electricity, hostels, and internet access, creating an advanced learning environment for the students. Tuition and all essential services are offered free of charge to enrolled pupils.

Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Yusuf Suleiman Jibia, noted that the Dumurkul Model Secondary School is nearly complete and is expected to be officially launched within the next two weeks. Enrollment has begun, and teaching staff have been recruited in preparation for full academic activities.

During the visit, the envoys also toured Kusugu Well, a historic site in Daura, highlighting the state’s efforts to preserve its cultural heritage alongside investments in education.

Representatives from the Netherlands and Egyptian embassies praised Katsina’s commitment to expanding access to quality education and providing modern learning infrastructure for underserved communities, welcoming the initiative as a step toward empowering the next generation.