The Minister of State for Regional Planning, Alhaji Uba Ahmadu, has commissioned a mega school constructed by the North East Development Commission (NEDC) in Potiskum, Yobe State.
The facility comprises four blocks of one-storey buildings, housing 96 classrooms for both primary and junior secondary school sections. Additional facilities at the school include an administrative block, store, staff quarters, commercial centre, clinic, pharmacy, and emergency room.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Potiskum on Tuesday, Ahmadu commended the NEDC for executing the large-scale project, noting that it aligns with the North-East Stabilisation and Development Master Plan.
He revealed that two similar schools had been constructed by the commission in Gashua and Buni Yadi, also in Yobe State.
However, the minister mentioned that he had already communicated certain observations regarding the project to the commission for appropriate action.
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In his remarks, Governor Mai Mala Buni, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Baba Wali, expressed gratitude to the NEDC for locating the project in the area.
He said the new school would help ease classroom overcrowding and improve the quality of teaching and learning.
Dr Garba Iliya, Executive Director of Finance and Administration at the NEDC, explained that the school was built at the site of Arikime School, reputed to be the most populous school in West Africa.
“With a population of over 18,000 pupils, Arikime is the largest school in Nigeria and indeed in West Africa,” he said.
“When the management of the commission met two to three years ago, we were informed that the school operated in three shifts morning, afternoon, and evening.
“Consequently, the commission granted immediate approval for the construction of this new facility to accommodate the thousands of learners,” he added.
The minister had earlier commissioned the NEDC state office, a multi-purpose hall at Government Girls’ College in Damaturu, as well as a theatre and an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre at the state university, also in Damaturu.
