Japan Gives 317 Classrooms To Kano

The Japanese government, working through the Japan International Cooperation Agency or JICA, handed over 317 classrooms to Nigeria’s Federal Government on Thursday.The classrooms were a result of a project started in June 2010 and is part of Japan’s Grant Aid to Nigeria.

The classrooms were constructed in 33 primary schools across 22 local government areas of Nigeria‘s Kano State. It is expected to be able to accommodate around 12,680 pupils and also included 308 toilet booths.
JICA chief representative Seki Tetsuo said that innovative Japanese engineering techniques were employed on the roofs, doors, and windows to ensure the durability of the buildings.
Japanese ambassador to Nigeria Ryuichi Shoji, who handed over the classrooms, said that the 2.31 billion Naira (US$14.8 million) was an important investment, as education is an invaluable asset for children and a crucial factor in the economic development of a country.
Receiving the classrooms was Minister of state for Education Chief Nyesom Wike who reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to quality education, promising to put the classrooms into effective use.
He also noted how similar initiatives from JICA has helped other Nigerian states such as Niger, Plateau, and Kaduna in the past. Shoji announced Japan’s plans to build more classrooms for 5,000 students in the Federal Capital Territory this year, a project that will be undertaken in collaboration with local Non-Governmental Organizations.