The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) is set to establish five modern smart boarding schools in Niger State under its $110 million Smart Education Transformation Project SmartEdu), aimed at modernising educational infrastructure, strengthening digital learning and expanding access to quality education.
The project, which also covers Yobe and Jigawa States, is designed to provide modern learning facilities and equip students with relevant knowledge and skills to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.
The Operations Team Leader of IsDB, Mr. Imtiaz Alam, disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the Bank’s project preparation mission to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago at Government House, Minna.
Mr. Alam explained that the delegation was in the state for technical consultations and engagements with relevant government officials ahead of the project’s implementation, which is expected to commence in December 2026, subject to the completion of preparatory activities and necessary approvals.
He said the proposed schools would be equipped with modern educational facilities, digital learning infrastructure, and other essential amenities. He also commended Governor Bago for his administration’s commitment to development and the effective partnership established through the New Niger Development Project (NNDP).
He acknowledged the Bank’s ongoing interventions in Niger State, including the Minna–Bida Road Project, the Bilingual Education Project and the proposed 100MW Solar Energy Development Project.
NNDP CHAIRMAN ASSURES OF SPEEDY PROJECT PREPARATION
Welcoming the delegation, the Chairman of the New Niger Development Project (NNDP) Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha Sarkin Dawakin Nupe, assured the IsDB team of the state government’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and speedy preparation process without unnecessary administrative bottlenecks.
He outlined the programme of activities, which included the presentation of a preliminary study detailing the proposed school components and estimated costs, followed by the Bank’s financing plan and further discussions on implementation and project readiness arrangements.
The exercise also covered an assessment of public financial management capacity and institutional readiness, with a wrap-up meeting on Wednesday
Governor Bago appreciated the Islamic Development Bank and the Federal Ministry of Finance for their continued partnership and support for the New Niger Agenda, noting that the Bank had remained a strategic development partner since his administration assumed office in 2023.
He particularly commended IsDB for its grant support towards the construction of three bilingual schools in Minna, Bida and Suleja. He disclosed that the Bida school had been completed and would soon become operational, assuring the delegation that the government would recruit teachers and other personnel to ensure its effective take-off and sustainability.
Governor Bago further acknowledged the Bank’s support for the proposed 100MW Solar Energy Development Project, describing it as a strategic investment that would strengthen energy security, stimulate industrial development and accelerate economic growth.
SMARTEDU TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO
QUALITY EDUCATION
The Governor described the Smart Education Transformation Project as another significant milestone in the state’s development partnership with IsDB, emphasising that education remained a major priority of his administration.
He noted that the five proposed smart boarding schools would expand access to quality education, particularly for children from less privileged
backgrounds, through modern digital learning tools, ICT infrastructure and other essential facilities. He assured the delegation of the government’s full technical, institutional and administrative support throughout the project’s preparation, appraisal and approval stages.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Basic Education, Dr. Hadiza Mohammed, described the project as a timely intervention that would provide safe, wellequipped and technology-driven learning environments.
She explained that the proposed schools would cover basic and senior secondary education, with modern digital learning facilities, reliable electricity, water supply and capacity-building programmes for teachers and school administrators.
The Commissioner appreciated IsDB, the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Universal Basic Education Commission UBEC for their contributions towards facilitating the project and selecting Niger State as beneficiary
INFRAS TRUCTURE · PROJ ECT DE L I V ERY
MINNA–BIDA ROAD RATED BEST-PERFORMING ISDB PROJECT IN NIGERIA
On the Minna–Bida Road Project, the Governor expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded, noting that its implementation approach had received commendation at the Bank’s State Coordinators’ Meeting and was recommended for other states to understudy.
The Head of the Federal Ministry of Finance delegation, Mr. Idris Dahiru Barde, disclosed that the road project had achieved approximately 75 per cent implementation within two years, describing it as the best-performing IsDBfunded project in Nigeria. He attributed the achievement to Governor Bago’s leadership, effective coordination and the state’s commitment to timely delivery.
Mr. Barde also identified the centralised Project Implementation Unit PIU established under the NNDP as a major institutional innovation that had improved coordination, reduced bureaucratic bottlenecks and strengthened project delivery. He noted that the structure would also support the effective preparation and implementation of subsequent IsDB-funded projects, including SmartEdu.
NEW NIGER AGENDA
GOVERNOR SEEKS CONSIDERATION OF ADDITIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
Governor Bago also appealed to IsDB to expedite consideration of additional development proposals submitted by the state government under the New Niger Agenda.
The Governor said the projects would promote digital transformation, improve access to essential services, strengthen urban infrastructure and enhance agricultural productivity. He requested an update on their status and assured the Bank of the state’s readiness to provide additional documentation and technical support required for their assessment.
ON THE GROUND: DELEGATION ASSESSES SCHOOLS AND PROPOSED PROJECT LOCATIONS
The NNDP Chairman also led the delegation on assessment visits to selected educational institutions and proposed project locations, including Limawa Central School, UBEC Smart School, the Niger State Teacher Professional Development Institute and the Bilingual School.
NNDP STRENGTHENS STATE–ISDB DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP
The engagement further highlighted the growing partnership between Niger State and the Islamic Development Bank in road infrastructure, bilingual education, renewable energy and the proposed Smart Education Transformation Project.
The NNDP continues to provide the institutional framework for coordinating project preparation, stakeholder engagement and implementation, strengthening collaboration and improving efficiency in development project delivery.
Governor Bago reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining the partnership with
IsDB and the Federal Ministry of Finance,
expressing optimism that the collaboration would attract further investments and deliver lasting development benefits to the people of
Niger State.
AISHA HUSSAINA ABDULMALIK
Information Officer
New Niger Development Project NND
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