Sokoto State Initiates Renovation of 46-Year-Old Classrooms at the Historic Sheikh Abubakar Gummi Memorial College
The Sokoto State Government has officially commenced the rehabilitation of two long-abandoned classroom blocks at the prestigious Sheikh Abubakar Gummi Memorial College. These two blocks, containing a total of 18 classrooms, have been unused for over 46 years due to years of neglect and disrepair.
This rehabilitation project is being driven by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education as part of a wider initiative to reduce classroom overcrowding, improve learning environments, and restore vital educational infrastructure across the state.
During an inspection visit to the school on Monday, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Ahmad Ladan Al-ala, was accompanied by ministry directors to assess the progress. The Commissioner expressed satisfaction with the quality of work completed so far and urged the contractors to expedite the project’s completion to ensure the classrooms are ready for the upcoming academic session.
“We are deeply committed to tackling the challenge of overcrowded classrooms in Sokoto’s schools. These blocks have remained abandoned for decades, but with this rehabilitation effort, they will once again serve their vital purpose of nurturing future generations,” Commissioner Al-ala said.
The Sheikh Abubakar Gummi Memorial College is one of Sokoto’s oldest secondary schools and has historically been a cradle for many of the state’s leaders and professionals. However, the dilapidated state of some of its buildings forced both teachers and students to operate in cramped and inadequate conditions.
The rehabilitation will not only restore the classrooms but will also integrate modern facilities aimed at promoting practical learning and vocational skills.
In addition to this, the Commissioner also visited the UBEC Basic School located along the Western Bypass. There, he reviewed ongoing improvements and discussed plans to equip the school with workshops and additional learning spaces tailored to accommodate out-of-school children and promote inclusive education.
Education stakeholders across the state have welcomed the government’s commitment, viewing it as a crucial step toward reversing years of infrastructural decline in public education.
