Rakiya A.Muhammad
Across Sokoto State, long-neglected classrooms are springing back to life. A place where this revival is more vividly seen is at Sarkin Baura Model Lizzamiya Primary School in Dange Shuni, where Maryam’s enthusiasm was unmistakable. As she confidently read aloud from the blackboard, her voice rang out the words “protecting one another from danger” during social studies.
She is among many pupils now attending the renovated school, benefiting from an improved environment.
The transformation of the school has sparked a surge in student enrolment and brought new energy to every classroom.
Transforming Floors into Foundations of Comfort
Reflecting on the past, Headmaster Bello Abubakar Dange describes the school’s previous conditions.
“We used to have pupils sitting on the bare floor,” he remarks. “The classrooms were once dilapidated and lacked chairs, resulting in low student attendance—with primary 4, 5, and 6 having a pupil population of between 30 and 40.”
However, positive changes have since occurred. He continues, “After the renovations, our classrooms have been rejuvenated and equipped with chairs. Now, students study comfortably and experience enhanced learning.”
Attendance figures show this impact: Primary 4 now has 85 pupils; Primary 5 — 90; Primary 6 — 77—all studying with comfortable seats.
Dange credits both facility improvements and renewed parental trust for this positive change.
As a result, parents now ensure their children attend school after seeing the safe, clean environment.
Sparking Excitement for Learning, Teaching
An elated pupil, Aliyu, eagerly shares, “We have new books,” holding them as if discovering treasure.
Malama Aisha Dange, a 27-year-old social studies teacher, echoed Aliyu’s enthusiasm: “With the renovation, children are more excited to come to school.”
Her class was in session during a visit led by Comrade Usman Binji, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Sokoto State Council.
Malama Aisha, a mother of two, continues, noting that many pupils now have access to books for the first time, which serves as a motivator.
The teacher adds that free textbooks and supplies ease parents’ burdens.
Referring to her own history, Aisha, who once sat in these very classrooms, reveals that the new facilities have not only made teaching smoother but also rekindled her love for the classroom.
Inspiration Ripples Through Community
This visible uplift among students and teachers now radiates through the community, reinforcing the renewed hope that comes from investing in education and demonstrating the real, measurable benefits of the renovations.
Dange Shuni Council Chairman Aminu Bodai commended the state government’s commitment to initiating projects that directly improve access to essential services and raise living standards.
Dange Shuni Council Chairman Aminu Bodai commended the state government’s commitment to initiating projects that directly improve access to essential services and raise living standards.
He reveals the council has followed this example by executing projects to address gaps in various sectors. In education, for instance, the renovation of a junior secondary school in Gajara village aims to provide students with a safer, more conducive learning environment.
Beyond Renovation, Embracing Innovation, Inclusion
Sarkin Baura Model Lizzamiya Primary School is one of many across Sokoto that the state government has revamped. Previously, numerous schools stood idle and deteriorated, but targeted funding has reversed this trajectory.
Further illustrating the commitment to change, Ahmad Ladan Al-ala the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education reiterates Governor Ahmad Aliyu administration’s determination to tackle the persistent challenge of overcrowded classrooms.
He points out the state government’s schools’ renovation initiative is a core part of the move to decongest classrooms, foster better learning, and restore infrastructure across public schools.
The Education Commissioner adds that the government’s vision extends beyond renovation, with a state-led effort to integrate modern facilities and promote practical learning and inclusion.
