Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has laid the foundation stone for the construction of a new secondary school at Kaura Goge in Nasarawa Local Government Area of the state.

The project is expected to replace the popular Maikwatashi School, which had become dilapidated and reportedly suffered encroachment, with parts of its land allegedly sold illegally by some individuals.

The governor said the decision to build a new school followed complaints by residents and the need to provide accessible education facilities for children in the area.

This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mustapha Muhammad.

According to the statement, Yusuf said ownership of the former Maikwatashi School had been transferred to the Kano State College of Arts and Islamic Studies for educational purposes.

He stated that the new school would help ease the hardship faced by students in the community, who currently travel long distances to attend school in Sabon Gari and other areas.

“There are huge numbers of students in this area who had to go to Sabon Gari for schooling. That is why we want to build a school here,” the governor said.

Yusuf urged residents of the area to cooperate with the contractor handling the project to ensure timely completion.

He also warned the contractor to deliver quality work in line with the project specifications.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Ali Makoda, said, “The school will gulp N1.3 billion naira.

“The school will house 32 classrooms, 36 toilets, 4 libraries among other structures.”

He described the laying of the foundation as proof of the governor’s commitment to fulfilling campaign promises in the education sector.