Nigeria, Jan. 14 -- The Katsina Local Government Council has awarded a N690 million contract for the construction of a girls' secondary school, a move officials say will expand access to education for girls in the area.

The Council Chairperson, Isah Miqdad, handed over the contract documents to the contractor on Tuesday, marking the formal commencement of the project.

According to officials, the project was approved by Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, who also authorised the release of 40 per cent of the contract sum as mobilisation fees.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, the councillor representing Wakilin Gabas II Ward, Yusuf Mallam, stated that the school was approved after he submitted a formal request to the council highlighti...