Sokoto State to Build Mega Schools to Combat Congestion

The Sokoto State government is set to establish three mega schools in each senatorial district to address school congestion, as announced by Alhaji Umar Nagwari Tambuwal, chairman of the Sokoto Universal Basic Education Board. This initiative aims to improve educational standards, with current pupil-to-teacher ratios reaching 85:1, which Nagwari deemed unacceptable.

He noted that Sokoto State has been ranked among the top five states in Nigeria in a recent national assessment of basic education conducted by the Federal Ministry of Education. The assessment included 100 schools across 23 local government areas.

Additionally, the state administration, led by Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, has implemented a minimum wage of N70,000 for teachers, ensuring timely payments. The 2025 education budget allocates 19% of the total state budget, with 85% cash backing.

The state has accessed N3.7 billion for 2025 and has a further N6 billion allocation for 2026. Nagwari also reported the renovation of classrooms and the establishment of an ICT centre at the SUBEB headquarters.