# Islamic Development Bank to Build Five Smart Schools in Niger State The $110 million SmartEdu project aims to expand digital learning and reduce out-of-school rates. - **Source:** [Premium Times Nigeria](https://www.premiumtimesng.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-10 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/12319222-e873-41cb-8b78-cf81807b8a02 ## New Educational Infrastructure Initiative The Islamic Development Bank is launching five smart boarding schools in Niger State as part of its $110 million Smart Education Transformation Project. This initiative, known as SmartEdu, focuses on expanding digital learning infrastructure and modernizing school facilities. The project also targets Yobe and Jigawa states to improve regional educational outcomes. ## Strategic Project Implementation Timeline IsDB operations team leader Imtiaz Alam confirmed that the project is currently in the preparatory consultation phase with government officials. Following necessary approvals and mission assessments, construction is scheduled to commence by December 2026. This timeline aims to ensure that digital infrastructure is integrated effectively into the new boarding school facilities. ## Scope of Educational Facilities Commissioner for Basic Education Hadiza Mohammed stated that the schools will serve both basic and senior secondary students. The facilities are designed to feature advanced digital learning equipment, reliable electricity, and consistent water supply. Additionally, the program includes comprehensive training modules for teachers and school managers to ensure long-term operational success. ## Government Commitment and Staffing Governor Mohammed Bago confirmed that the Niger State government will take responsibility for the schools upon completion. This includes the recruitment of qualified teachers and essential support staff to maintain the institutions. The state government intends to integrate these schools into the local education system to maximize their impact on students. ## Broader Development Cooperation The IsDB maintains a significant footprint in Niger State beyond education, supporting various infrastructure and energy initiatives. Notable projects include a bilingual education program and a 100-megawatt solar power project. These efforts reflect the bank's broader strategy to foster economic development and social stability through targeted investments in critical public sectors. ## Infrastructure Project Performance Federal Ministry of Finance representative Idris Barde highlighted the success of existing collaborations with the IsDB. Specifically, the Minna-Bida road project has reached 75 percent completion within just two years of implementation. This performance record provides a positive outlook for the successful delivery of the upcoming smart boarding school construction project. ## Addressing Educational Access Gaps A primary objective of the SmartEdu project is to mitigate the high number of out-of-school children in the region. By providing modern boarding facilities, the government hopes to create a secure and conducive learning environment. This approach aims to encourage school enrollment and retention among children currently lacking access to formal education. ## Long-term Impact and Sustainability The integration of digital learning tools represents a shift toward modernizing Nigeria's educational framework. By combining physical infrastructure with teacher training and utility support, the project seeks to establish sustainable learning hubs. Success will depend on the state's ability to manage these assets effectively after the initial handover from the bank. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/north-central/924048-islamic-bank-to-build-five-smart-boarding-schools-in-niger-official.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._