Korea Government Hands Over Ultra Model School Worth $15m To FCT Administration

Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has formerly handed-over Ultra Model School valued at $15 million to the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, to boost quality education.

FCT Minister, Muhammad Bello noted that the building of this school was a process that not only saw the establishment of a great educational institution in Nigeria’s Federal Capital City, but also the deepening of a cordial relationship between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Korea.

Education as bedrock
The Minister, who was represented by the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Aliyu, stressed the value of education in nation building.

He noted that education is the bedrock of modern societies and the foundation on which great nations are built.

Bello used the occasion to charge education board to manage it effectively and efficiently so it remains a model school and a standard on which other public institutions in the FCT will be measured.

He also noted that the Nigeria/Korea model school is today one of the most sought-after basic education institutions in the Federal Capital Territory.

 “I commended the government and people of the Republic of Korea, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) for bringing the project to fruition,” he said.

Bello promised that his administration will expedite construction of the senior secondary component of the school and ensure that it is as aesthetically appealing and academically enriching as its model basic education counterpart.

“Here in the FCT, we have long recognised the capacity of education as providing the most viable route towards the attainment of our nation’s growth objectives. Therefore, the development of the education sector will be given priority in our growth agenda. 

 “This will involve establishment of new schools, rehabilitation of existing ones, recruitment of teaching staff and of course the training and retaining teachers to keep them abreast of current teaching methods,” he affirmed.

Dr. Ramatu Aliyu stated that the school will no doubt raise the quality of learning and ultimately the quality of life of children in territory.

According to her, “We want all our children, regardless of tribe, religion or circumstance to achieve their full potential. Our task as an administration is to make it possible. 

 “It is on record that since the establishment of diplomatic ties in February, 1980, the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Korea have progressively fostered closer and cordial relationship. This is undoubtedly another great leap in the right direction, all thanks to this laudable project by KOICA”. 

She, however, appealed to KOICA to replicate this model school in the six geo-political zones across the federation, aimed at deepening the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Republic of Korea.

Aliyu affirmed that the Nigeria/Korea model school will improve students’ academic performances and build a better generation that would contribute to the development of Nigeria.

Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Maj.-Gen. In-Tae Lee assured that Korea would not hesitate to continue sharing experiences and assisting Nigeria in strengthening the educational sector and national capacity.

Lee explained that the Nigeria-Korea model school was the centre of excellence for multimedia education, saying that in the future the school could be used as a teachers training centre for multimedia education in FCT.

”The multimedia equipment supplied is worth more than 1.3 US Dollars and maintenance is essential to ensure the best use of these facilities. Today KOICA is handing over all the multimedia equipment and educational resources that have been provided by the Korean Government”.