SOKOTO GOVT, ARMY INAUGURATE RENOVATED MAGAJIN RAFI MODEL PRIMARY SCHOOL

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Sokoto State Government, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, has inaugurated the newly renovated Magajin Rafi Model Primary School in Tudun-Wada, Sokoto, as part of efforts to strengthen basic education and deepen civil–military cooperation.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu, who was represented at the event on Saturday by his deputy, Dr Idris Gobir, described primary education as the foundation of every successful career and urged pupils of the school to take their studies seriously and aspire to greatness.

Gobir noted that Magajin Rafi Primary School has a long-standing legacy of producing prominent Nigerians across various sectors, including senior military officers, politicians, technocrats and community leaders.

“This school is blessed by Almighty Allah. It has produced governors, senior military officers, correctional officers and public servants at federal, state and local government levels. Even the Executive Governor of Sokoto State is a proud product of this school,” he said.

The deputy governor commended the project executor, Major General Abbas Idris, an alumnus of the school, for giving back to his roots and contributing to the development of education in Sokoto State. He assured that the state government would continue to partner with individuals and institutions committed to advancing education.

Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, represented by the General Officer Commanding, 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Paul Koughna, said the project was executed under the COAS Special Intervention Civil–Military Cooperation Scheme.

He disclosed that the Nigerian Army has completed and commissioned over 250 similar projects across the six geopolitical zones of the country, including schools, hospitals, laboratories and other community facilities.

“The Nigerian Army is a people’s army. Beyond kinetic operations, we remain committed to non-kinetic engagements that promote community development and strengthen public trust,” Koughna said.

He added that the renovated classrooms, administrative blocks and storage facilities would complement government efforts to provide quality education, while urging the school management and host community to take ownership of the facilities.

In his remarks, Major General Abbas Idris said the renovation was inspired by his personal experience as a former pupil of the school and his desire to ensure that children learn in a safe, modern and conducive environment.

“This is not just a renovation project; it is an investment in the dreams of our children. Every classroom is a message that their future matters,” he said.

Established in 1935, Magajin Rafi Primary School is one of the oldest educational institutions in Sokoto State and has produced generations of professionals, including governors, ministers, military officers, medical doctors, engineers and traditional rulers.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by government officials, senior military officers, community leaders, alumni, pupils and members of the press.