The Federal Government has unveiled an N8.5 billion land swap project at Federal Government College (FGC), Kano, aimed at improving infrastructure and enhancing teaching and learning.

The Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, inaugurated the project on Monday, describing it as a strategic intervention to optimise facilities and promote efficient academic delivery.

The project involves the construction of 18 new structures and the renovation of 15 existing facilities as part of efforts to transform the unity school into a National Centre of Excellence.

Key components include new students’ hostels, an ICT centre, indoor sports complex, skills acquisition centre, clinic, staff quarters and a corps members’ lounge, alongside the remodelling and upgrading of other facilities.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Professor Ahmad explained that the project is being executed under the land swap component of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

She disclosed that the agreement with the investor entails the provision of education and health infrastructure in exchange for 10 hectares of land.

According to the minister, the PPP model was adopted as a viable alternative to bridge infrastructure gaps in unity schools amid competing demands on limited government resources.

“The integrated approach allows government to leverage available land resources, optimise funding, and ensure value for money,” she said.

She assured that the project would be closely monitored to guarantee quality, transparency and accountability.

The Managing Director of the investing firm, Muzadiq Talle, said the company is committing about N8.5 billion to upgrade facilities in the college, noting that the initiative demonstrates the capacity of local investors to handle large-scale projects.

He added that the land swap model provides opportunities for domestic investors to participate in long-term infrastructure development, boosting confidence in the Nigerian economy.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Commissioner for Lands, Abduljabbar Garko, called for increased stakeholder engagement to address public concerns about the rationale behind the project.

While pledging the state government’s support, he emphasised the need to maintain high quality standards and ensure effective service delivery. (The Guardian)

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