A model boarding secondary school built at a cost of N1 billion in Balle, Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State, has remained shut since its completion in 2017, with no student ever admitted to the facility.

The Model Boarding Secondary School, Balle, was constructed under the administration of former governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal to address the severe educational deficit in Gudu, a local government area long regarded as having the lowest level of educational development in Sokoto State. The school was completed with classrooms, hostels, a clinic, a mosque, and access roads.

Security personnel currently occupy the facility following insecurity challenges in the area, a development that has drawn frustration from residents who insist the school must be returned to its original purpose.

Mallam Umar Balle, a community resident, acknowledged the role of security operatives but was firm in his position. "This school was built for our children, and we still need it. Government should provide another suitable place for the security personnel and allow the school to begin operations," he stated.

He further urged the state government to either restore the school to its original purpose or convert it into a faculty of the Federal College of Education, Gidan Madi, so the facility would not continue to sit idle.

President of the Gudu Students Association, Ahmad Usman Jimajimi, disclosed that many students from the local government had previously been forced to attend schools in distant locations, including Gidan Madi, Nagarta College, and FGC Sokoto. "Some parents simply could not afford to send their children outside the area, and many students abandoned education completely," he revealed.

The Chairman of the School Based Management Committee in Gudu, Attahiru Balle, appealed to the government to prevent further deterioration of the structures. "This school was built to change the story of education in this area," he maintained.

Traditional head Aminu Aliyu, the Sarkin Yamman Balle, confirmed the school remained in good condition and called on the government to relocate security personnel so academic activities could begin.

Sokoto State Commissioner for Information Bello Sambo Danchadi acknowledged the situation, stating that the government would act in the interest of residents. "As soon as the security situation improves, the school will continue to function as scheduled," he assured.