Following Zagazola’s Report, Katsina Govt Orders Total Rehabilitation of Dilapidated Maidabino School
By Zagazola Makama
The Katsina State Government has ordered the comprehensive rehabilitation of the dilapidated Government Day Secondary School (GDSS), Maidabino, in Dan Musa Local Government Area, following a recent investigative report by Zagazola Makama that exposed the deplorable condition of the school and the hardships faced by its students and teachers.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hon. Yusuf Suleiman Jibia, the state government acknowledged public concern generated by the report and reaffirmed Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s commitment to revitalising public education across the state.
The government’s response came days after Zagazola Makama published an investigative report titled “Inside Katsina’s Forgotten School: Over 1,000 Students Learn on Bare Ground as Billion-Naira Education Budgets Fail Maidabino,” which highlighted the appalling learning conditions at the school.
The investigation revealed that more than 1,000 students from Junior Secondary School One (JSS1) to Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) were receiving lessons in roofless classrooms, sitting on bare ground, stones and broken concrete blocks due to the absence of desks and chairs.
It also exposed the shortage of teachers, with only one volunteer instructor, Malam Ibrahim Salisu Maidabino, a farmer who is not employed by the government, shouldering the responsibility of teaching students across multiple classes and subjects without receiving any salary.
The report further detailed the absence of basic facilities, including functional classrooms, laboratories, a library, computers, electricity, potable water and sanitation, while noting that soldiers deployed to secure the community against bandit attacks occasionally assisted in maintaining order and encouraging students because of the severe manpower shortage.
Responding to the report, the Katsina State Government said the school had already been captured under its ongoing educational infrastructure intervention programme and assured residents that rehabilitation would commence in line with the approved implementation schedule.
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According to the Commissioner, although the school had earlier been identified for rehabilitation, implementation was delayed by the security challenges that affected Maidabino and surrounding communities, forcing the government to prioritise the restoration of peace and the protection of lives and property.
He explained that with security now significantly improved through sustained efforts by the state government and security agencies, displaced residents were gradually returning home, school enrolment was increasing and government was moving to the next phase of rebuilding critical public infrastructure.
The Commissioner disclosed that the rehabilitation project would include the renovation of classrooms, replacement of damaged roofs, rehabilitation of floors, provision of desks and other classroom furniture, upgrading of sanitation facilities and other essential works aimed at providing a safe and conducive learning environment for both students and teachers.
He reiterated that Governor Radda’s administration remained committed to strengthening the education sector through sustained investment in infrastructure, teacher development and improved learning facilities across Katsina State.
“The Katsina State Government appreciates the concern expressed by the author of the social media post and other well-meaning citizens. We assure the public that the rehabilitation of the affected school will commence in line with the implementation schedule of the approved intervention programme.
“The Government remains resolute in ensuring that every community benefits from the dividends of improved security, quality education, and sustainable development.
Together, we will continue to build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Katsina State.
The government also appealed to communities, parents and school management committees to support efforts aimed at protecting and maintaining public facilities to ensure their sustainability.
The swift response by the Katsina State Government has been widely welcomed by residents and education stakeholders, who described it as a demonstration of responsive leadership and evidence that constructive journalism can contribute meaningfully to governance and public service delivery.
The government’s intervention offers renewed hope that students may soon study in an environment that reflects the dignity and quality of education they deserve.
While commending Governor Radda for responding promptly to the concerns raised, residents expressed hope that the promised rehabilitation would be executed without delay and extended to other underserved schools facing similar challenges across the state.
Zagazola Media Network