Islamic Bank to Build Five Modern Schools in Niger

The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) plans to build five modern boarding schools in Niger State. This project is part of its $110 million Smart Education Transformation Project, according to the state government.

Bologi Ibrahim, who is the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Mohammed Bago, announced this on Monday. This came after a meeting between the IsDB team and the governor at the Government House in Minna.

The project, called SmartEdu, will also take place in Yobe and Jigawa states. Its aim is to improve digital learning infrastructure and school facilities, while also tackling the issue of out-of-school children.

Imtiaz Alam, the leader of the IsDB operations team, said they are in Niger State to meet with government officials. They are discussing how to prepare for the project.

He explained that construction will start after the preparatory mission and necessary approvals are in place. They expect to begin by December 2026.

Mr Alam added that the project will include building modern boarding facilities with digital learning tools. He also mentioned other initiatives supported by the bank, like the Minna-Bida road, a bilingual education program, and a 100-megawatt solar project in the state.

Hadiza Mohammed, the state’s Commissioner for Basic Education, said the five schools will cover both basic and senior secondary education. She highlighted that the schools will have digital learning equipment and reliable electricity and water supply. There will also be training programs for teachers and school managers.

Governor Bago stated that the state government will hire teachers and staff to manage the schools once they are finished and handed over.

Idris Barde, the leader of the delegation from the Federal Ministry of Finance, shared that the ministry keeps track of projects backed by the IsDB. He praised the Minna-Bida road project, calling it one of the best projects currently being worked on. He noted that it has reached about 75 percent completion in just two years.