Writing By Khadijah Aliyu ; Editing By Godwin Duru
The UK government, through its Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), in collaboration with UNICEF, has committed £19 million to strengthen climate-resilient health and education infrastructure in Nigeria.
Under the Climate Resilient Infrastructure for Basic Services (CRIBS) programme, Kano benefitted from 55 upgraded schools and health facilities.
The intervention includes the renovation of 28 schools and 27 primary health centres, in partnership with the Kano State Government.
Speaking at the inauguration of Wangara Primary School in Gezawa LGA, UNICEF Nigeria Representative Wafaa Saeed said the upgrades were designed with practical climate-smart solutions such as improved natural ventilation, flood-resistant structures, and solar-powered energy systems.
“These changes mean cooler classrooms and clinics, reliable electricity, and services that continue even when the weather turns against us,”
She pointed that the improvements would enable mothers to give birth safely, ensure timely treatment for children, and allow young people to continue learning without disruption.
“What we have built here goes beyond infrastructure. It is a model for how to deliver climate-resilient services, not only for Nigeria but for the world.”
The Development Director Nigeria, British High Commission Abuja, Cynthia Rowe, represented by the Senior Education Advisor FCDO, Joseph Wales said the CRIBS programme was made possible through partnerships with UNICEF, the Federal Government, the World Bank, WHO, Sextant Foundation, JigSaw, Fab Inc, Crown Agents, and the UK Lafiya Programme.
“CRIBS demonstrates how climate-resilient infrastructure can improve access to basic services for vulnerable populations. We hope this model inspires broader replication across Nigeria,”
Similarly, UNICEF, in collaboration with the Kano State Government, the government of Canada, and IHS Towers Nigeria, launched an oxygen plant facility at Muhammadu Buhari Specialist Hospital, Nasarawa Local Government Area, Kano.
Earlier in his remarks , Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Commissioner for Education Dr. Ali Haruna Makoda described the projects as life-changing.
He highlighted the commissioning of Wangara Primary School and the unveiling of the state’s first solar-powered oxygen plant, as a major catalyst that will provide reliable, life-saving oxygen for children and mothers.
Governor Yusuf reiterated the state government’s commitment in safe guarding and sustaining the facilities to achieve the desired objectives.
Highlights of the event includes the inauguration and handover of Wangara Primary School, Gofaro PHC Gezawa LGA, commissioning of the first-ever solarized oxygen plant at Muhammadu Buhari Specialist Hospital, and courtesy visit to the Kano State Government House.
COV/Khadijah Aliyu
