However, our correspondent learnt that the ceremony, which was scheduled for Kano, suffered postponements due to fear of terror attacks, forcing the state government to opt for Abuja.
Kano is one of the northern cities where suspected Boko Haram members have carried out bomb and gun attacks.
However, the ceremony took place at the Federal Ministry of Education with Minister of State for Education Nyesom Wike; Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Ryuichi Shoji; representatives of Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso; and Minister of National Planning Shamsudeen Usman in attendance.
The schools were constructed by Japanese International Cooperation Agency in conjunction with the Universal Basic Education Commission.
Although no official reason was given for the shift in venue, sources confirmed that security fears informed the decision.
A Kano official said, “We tried to get them to Kano, assuring them (Japanese) that we will provide security but they were not convinced. So, we had to come here (Abuja) because we are dealing with a foreign nation.”
The Japanese envoy said there were “some security threats” during the construction of the schools. He said the projects were done with the support of Kano State Universal Basic Education Board.
Wike commended the Japanese government for supporting Nigerian education, calling on other international partners to contribute their quota to the development of the sector.
He said, “We must commend the government and people of Japan for their support for our education sector.”
The Japanese government signed a bilateral agreement with Federal Government in June 2010 to provide infrastructural development and technical support to Nigeria.
A total of N2.31bn was spent by the Japanese government on providing 317 schools in 33 schools with toilet facilities and furniture in Kano under the phase 11 of the project.
Giving the details of the project, the acting Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission, Prof. Charles Onocha, said a total of 6,940 pieces of two-seater furniture, 272 toilets, 317 blackboards, and 317 notice boards were provided for the 33 schools.
Source: punchng.com