Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
The Executive Chairman of the Sokoto State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Umar Nagwari Tambuwal, has on Monday sounded a loud and uncompromising warning to engineers, contractors, and School-Based Management Committees (SBMC) as the Federal Government approves the rehabilitation of 75 schools across the state and the training of 4,000 primary school teachers.
In an exclusive interview with our correspondent, the SUBEB boss said the rehabilitation programme will cover comprehensive upgrades, including classrooms, roofing, furniture, potable water facilities, and modern sanitation systems, all aimed at creating a safe and conducive learning environment for pupils in both rural and urban communities.
He noted that alongside infrastructure rehabilitation, the capacity-building programme will equip 4,000 teachers with modern teaching skills, child-focused learning methods, and digital literacy to align Sokoto’s education system with global best practices.
“The quality of education we deliver can only be as good as the teachers who deliver it,” Tambuwal stated, stressing that the training would be intensive, practical, and measurable.
Teachers will undergo pre- and post-training assessments to ensure tangible improvement in knowledge and delivery skills.
The projects, he explained, are part of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) intervention, with counterpart funding from the Sokoto State Government to guarantee full execution.
Implementation will roll out in phases to allow strict monitoring, transparency, and quality control.
However, the SUBEB chairman did not mince words in warning engineers and SBMC members against cutting corners or compromising standards.
“Every naira spent must be seen in the quality of work done. We will not accept inflated bills, substandard materials, or any deviation from approved specifications,” he declared.
Alhaji Tambuwal revealed that monitoring and evaluation teams will be stationed at every project site to ensure full compliance. “Anyone found guilty of negligence or sabotage will face immediate and decisive sanctions,” he warned.
He urged contractors to treat the projects not as profit-making opportunities but as a moral duty to shape the future of Sokoto’s children.
“You are not just building classrooms; you are building the destiny of generations. This is a sacred trust,” he said.
On the teacher training programme, he confirmed that SUBEB will partner with reputable education consultants and institutions to deliver world-class training modules that will raise the standard of teaching across the state.
The chairman also called on parents and local communities to play active roles in safeguarding school facilities from vandalism, ensuring children attend classes regularly, and supporting government efforts to improve education.
He assured that all rehabilitated schools will be furnished with the essential facilities needed to boost enrolment and retention, with special emphasis on encouraging girl-child education in rural areas.
Alhaji Tambuwal expressed strong optimism that, with the twin approach of infrastructure renewal and teacher development, Sokoto will witness a remarkable transformation in basic education standards within the next two years.
“This is not just about bricks and mortar.
“It is about building strong minds, upright character, and a brighter future for every child in Sokoto State,” he concluded.
