Governor Honours Former Teacher, Revives Historic Science School

From Muhammad Gazali Garba

Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, on Thursday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to revitalising science and technical education with the commissioning of the renovated, remodelled and expanded Government Science Secondary School (GSSS), Yabo, as part of activities marking the third anniversary of his administration.

The project was commissioned by the Governor’s former teacher and Vice Principal, His Royal Highness Alhaji Abdullahi DanGaladima, Sarkin Gobir of Sabon Birni, marking the restoration of one of Sokoto State’s foremost science schools to its former glory.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Ahmed Aliyu described the renovation and expansion as a way of giving back to an institution that played a vital role in shaping his academic background, character and leadership.
He recalled that Government Science Secondary School, Yabo, ranked among the best secondary schools in the state during his student days, boasting quality infrastructure, well-equipped laboratories and an excellent academic environment before years of neglect affected its standard.
“As an alumnus of this great institution, I felt a strong sense of responsibility to restore it to its former glory. This project is my humble expression of gratitude to the school that laid the foundation for my educational and leadership journey,” the Governor said.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu stressed that education, particularly science, technology and technical education, remains the bedrock of socio-economic development and modern civilisation.
He disclosed that since assuming office in May 2023, his administration has consistently prioritised education through increased budgetary allocations and strategic interventions aimed at improving learning outcomes across the state.
According to him, in addition to the renovation of GSSS Yabo, the administration has remodelled Nagarta College, Sokoto, completed the first phase of the renovation of Government Girls Science Secondary School, Sokoto, and rehabilitated several institutions under the Ministry of Science and Technology, including Government Girls College, Tambuwal, and Government Technical College, Runjin Sambo.
The Governor further revealed that adequate budgetary provisions had been made to renovate the remaining schools under the ministry, while ongoing projects would be completed in subsequent fiscal years.
He also highlighted other interventions, including the rehabilitation and re-equipping of technical workshops, provision of modern laboratory equipment, science textbooks, classroom furniture, students’ beds and mattresses, kitchen utensils and other instructional materials to improve teaching and learning.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu added that his administration had increased boarding school feeding allocations by more than 300 per cent to improve the quality and nutritional value of meals served to students.
He noted that Sokoto State has fully embraced the Federal Government’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative, describing technical and vocational education as essential for skills acquisition, youth empowerment, industrialisation and sustainable economic development.
The Governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Renewed Hope Agenda and reaffirmed Sokoto State’s commitment to supporting policies that promote education and national development.
He urged parents and guardians to encourage their children to acquire both Islamic and Western education, especially in science, technology and technical fields, to prepare them for future challenges.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu later invited his former teacher and Vice Principal, Sarkin Gobir of Sabon Birni, to formally commission the project as a mark of appreciation for the invaluable contributions of teachers in shaping future leaders.
He also called on parents, teachers and members of the community to support government efforts by ensuring proper maintenance of the facilities.
In his remarks, His Royal Highness Alhaji Abdullahi DanGaladima, Sarkin Gobir of Sabon Birni, commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for the remarkable intervention, describing the renovation and expansion of GSSS Yabo as a landmark investment in education.
The royal father, who taught Governor Ahmed Aliyu and served as Vice Principal during his secondary school years, said the provision of modern classrooms, laboratories and other facilities would significantly improve teaching and learning while securing a brighter future for generations of students.
He praised the Governor’s commitment to strengthening education through improved infrastructure and support for teachers and students, expressing appreciation for remembering his alma mater.
Representing the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the District Head of Kilgori, Dr. Muhammad Jabbi Kilgori, also commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his commitment to educational development.
He described the renovation, remodelling and expansion of Government Science Secondary School, Yabo, as a visionary investment that would contribute significantly to the future development of Sokoto State.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Professor Attahiru Ahmad Sifawa, described the commissioning as a historic milestone in the educational development of the state.
He said GSSS Yabo played a significant role in moulding Governor Ahmed Aliyu during his formative years and praised the Governor for restoring the institution to its former status.
Professor Sifawa added that inviting his former teacher to commission the project reflected humility, gratitude and deep respect for the teaching profession.
In separate goodwill messages, distinguished alumni of the school applauded Governor Ahmed Aliyu for restoring one of Sokoto State’s most prestigious secondary institutions.
Professor Riskuwa Arabia Shehu described the project as the fulfilment of a long-awaited dream, praising the Governor for remembering his roots and investing in future generations.
Similarly, His Royal Highness Alhaji Muhammad Sani Sami Gomo, Emir of Zuru, another distinguished alumnus of the school, said the renovation would restore the institution’s reputation as a centre of academic excellence and leadership.
The Chief of Staff, Government House, Sokoto, Alhaji Aminu Haliru Dikko, and the Chief of Staff to the Kebbi State Government, Alhaji Attahiru Maccido, both former students of the school, recalled their experiences at GSSS Yabo and paid tribute to the teachers whose guidance prepared them for leadership and public service.
They commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for preserving the school’s legacy through its comprehensive renovation and expansion, describing the intervention as a worthwhile investment in human capital development.
The commissioning of the renovated, remodelled and expanded Government Science Secondary School, Yabo, formed part of activities marking the third anniversary of Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration, underscoring his government’s commitment to educational advancement and sustainable development.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of an Award of Excellence to Governor Ahmed Aliyu by the SMBC, PTA and the entire Yabo community in recognition of his commitment to educational development and the successful renovation and remodelling of Government Science Secondary School, Yabo.