Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, on Thursday reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to revitalising science and technical education with the commissioning of the renovated, remodelled and expanded Government Science Secondary School (GSSS), Yabo, as part of activities marking the third anniversary of his administration.
The project, which was commissioned by the Governor’s former teacher and Vice Principal, His Royal Highness, Abdullahi DanGaladima,Sarkin Gobir of Sabon Birni, marked a historic return of one of Sokoto State’s foremost science schools to its former glory.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Governor said the renovation and expansion of the school represented his administration’s way of giving back to an institution that played a significant role in shaping his academic foundation, character and leadership journey.
He recalled that Government Science Secondary School, Yabo, was among the best secondary schools in the state during his student days, with quality infrastructure, well-equipped laboratories and a vibrant academic environment, before years of neglect affected its standard.
The Governor stated “As an alumnus of this great institution, I felt a strong sense of responsibility to restore it to its former glory.This project is my humble expression of gratitude to the school that laid the foundation for my educational and leadership journey” .
Governor Aliyu stressed that education, particularly science, technology and technical education, remains the foundation for socio-economic development and modern civilisation.
He disclosed that since assuming office in May 2023, his administration has consistently prioritised education through increased budgetary allocations and strategic interventions aimed at improving learning outcomes across the state.
According to him, apart from the renovation of GSSS Yabo, the administration has remodelled Nagarta College, Sokoto, completed the first phase of the renovation of Government Girls Science Secondary School, Sokoto, and rehabilitated several institutions under the Ministry of Science and Technology, including Government Girls College, Tambuwal, and Government Technical College, Runjin Sambo.
The Governor further revealed that adequate budgetary provisions had been made to renovate the remaining schools under the ministry, while outstanding projects would be completed in subsequent fiscal years.
He also highlighted other interventions, including the rehabilitation and re-equipping of technical workshops, provision of modern laboratory equipment, science textbooks, classroom furniture, students’ beds and mattresses, kitchen utensils and other instructional materials to enhance teaching and learning.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu added that his administration had increased boarding school feeding allocations by over 300 per cent to improve the quality and nutritional value of meals served to students.
He noted that Sokoto State has fully embraced the Federal Government’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative, describing technical and vocational education as a vital tool for skills acquisition, youth empowerment, industrialisation and sustainable economic development.
The Governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Renewed Hope Agenda and reaffirmed Sokoto State’s commitment to supporting policies aimed at improving education and national development.
He urged parents and guardians to encourage their children to acquire both Islamic and Western education, particularly in science, technology and technical disciplines, in order to prepare them for future challenges.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu thereafter invited his former teacher and Vice Principal, Sarkin Gobir of Sabon Birni, to formally commission the project, describing the gesture as a mark of appreciation for the invaluable role teachers play in shaping future leaders.
He called on parents, teachers and members of the community to support government efforts by ensuring proper maintenance of the facilities.
In his remarks, His Royal Highness , Abdullahi DanGaladima,Sarkin Gobir of Sabon Birni, commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for the remarkable intervention, describing the renovation and expansion of GSSS Yabo as a landmark investment in education.
The royal father, who taught Governor Ahmed Aliyu and served as Vice Principal during his secondary school days, said the provision of modern classrooms, laboratories and other facilities would significantly improve teaching and learning while securing a brighter future for generations of students.
He praised the Governor’s commitment to strengthening education through improved infrastructure and support for teachers and students, expressing appreciation for remembering his alma mater.
Representing the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the District Head of Kilgori, Dr. Muhammad Jabbi Kilgori, commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his commitment to educational development.
He described the renovation, remodelling and expansion of Government Science Secondary School, Yabo, as a visionary investment that would contribute significantly to the future development of Sokoto State.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Professor Attahiru Ahmad Sifawa, described the commissioning as a historic milestone in the educational development of Sokoto State.
He said GSSS Yabo played a significant role in moulding Governor Ahmed Aliyu during his formative years and commended the Governor for restoring the institution to its former status.
Professor Sifawa noted that the decision to invite his former teacher to commission the project demonstrated humility, gratitude and respect for the teaching profession.
In separate goodwill messages, distinguished alumni of the school applauded Governor Ahmed Aliyu for restoring one of Sokoto State’s most prestigious secondary institutions.
Professor Riskuwa Arabia Shehu described the project as the fulfilment of a long-awaited dream, praising the Governor for remembering his roots and investing in future generations.
Similarly, His Royal Highness Alhaji Muhammad Sani Sami Gomo, Emir of Zuru, another distinguished alumnus of the school, said the renovation would restore the institution’s reputation as a centre of academic excellence and leadership.
The Chief of Staff, Government House, Sokoto, Alhaji Aminu Haliru Dikko, and the Chief of Staff to the Kebbi State Government, Alhaji Attahiru Maccido, both former students of the school, recalled their experiences at GSSS Yabo and paid tribute to the teachers whose guidance prepared them for leadership and public service.
They commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for preserving the school’s legacy through comprehensive renovation and expansion, describing the intervention as a worthy investment in human capital development.
The commissioning of the renovated, remodelled and expanded Government Science Secondary School, Yabo, formed part of activities marking the third anniversary of Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration, reflecting his government’s commitment to educational advancement and sustainable development.
The ceremony climaxed with the presentation of an Award of Excellence to Governor Ahmed Aliyu by the SMBC, PTA and the entire Yabo community in recognition of his commitment to educational development and the successful renovation and remodelling of Government Science Secondary School, Yabo.
From Muhammad Gazali Garba
