By Sarah NEGEDU
The Mandate Secretary for Education in the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Danlami Hayyo, has enrolled two of his sons into Government Science Secondary School, Pyakasa, Maitama, for the 2025/2026 academic session.
Hayyo described the move as a deliberate attempt at restoring public confidence in the education in the FCT.
The boys, Ahmad and Mukhtar Hayyo, both 14, completed the Education Resource Centre application process and, after passing the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination, were admitted alongside other students at the school’s enrollment exercise on Friday.
Speaking shortly after the exercise, Hayyo said his decision to enroll his children in a public secondary school was informed by the massive investment in infrastructure and technology across FCT schools under the administration of Minister Nyesom Wike.
According to him, “the massive infrastructure development, accelerated rehabilitation and extensive renovations of FCT schools by the Minister FCT are worthy of note particularly ensuring that our Students learn in a safe, conducive and inspiring environments.”
He added that “the provision of laptops, tablets and innovative back pads among others recently distributed to schools has helped to integrate technology into classrooms thereby equipping FCT Schools with the relevant educational services designed to empower learners at all levels with skills, moral values and mindset needed to thrive in the realities of the 21st century.”
Hayyo explained that his action was also aimed at changing the negative perception that senior officials in the education sector or politicians generally do not patronize public schools. “The construction and rehabilitation of FCT Schools by the Minister have restored confidence in the sector,” he said.
The Secretary therefore advised parents and guardians to “seize the opportunity to enroll their wards and enjoy the improved learning environment being provided,” stressing that FCT schools are not only affordable but also accessible.
He further called on stakeholders “who are committed to this positive narrative to key into the system by enrolling their wards in FCT Schools, while encouraging Parents who have already done so not to be distracted by critics.”
Hayyo noted that students in public schools across the territory have excelled in national and international competitions, including outings in South Africa, Netherlands and Switzerland.
He stressed that the Education Secretariat ensures strict standards by recruiting qualified and ethically sound teachers, monitoring classroom delivery, and discouraging examination malpractice to produce disciplined students with excellent results.
Principal of the school, Mallam Isah Usman, commended the minister for transforming facilities in the institution. “We are overwhelmed that many senior officers and military personnel are now bringing their children to the school. We also deeply appreciate the Minister for completing most of our infrastructure, the multi-purpose laboratory, the dining hall, and other facilities that speak for themselves,” he said.
The enrollment exercise, witnessed by top management staff of the Education Secretariat, school administrators and other stakeholders, was described by officials as a milestone in restoring public confidence in FCT schools.
