Top 10 Best‑Rated Primary Schools In Kebbi State

Kebbi State, located in northwestern Nigeria, has made meaningful strides in boosting public education. While challenges persist—including dilapidated infrastructure and high dropout rates—several primary schools continue to shine in academic quality, teacher professionalism, and community reputation. Based on available information from local directories and recent rankings, here are the Top 10 primary schools in Kebbi State as of late 2023–2024. 

1. Madawaki Primary School, Birnin Kebbi

Located in the state capital, Madawaki Primary School ranks as Kebbi’s most reputed government primary school. Known for promoting strong academic fundamentals and character, this school has maintained consistent performance in public examinations. It engages students with a structured curriculum in mathematics, English, and science, while also investing in extracurricular activities like debate and sports.

The school benefits from better staffing and resources compared to rural counterparts. Teachers are generally well-trained and committed, helping create a disciplined yet nurturing learning environment. Madawaki’s reputation draws students from across Birnin Kebbi LGA.

2. Hauwai Primary School, Argungu

Hauwai Primary School, located in Argungu LGA, is a standout institution known for its academic excellence and holistic development. The school emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving through well-balanced lessons in core subjects and extracurriculars such as traditional music, crafts, and physical education.

What sets Hauwai apart is its focus on inclusion—especially encouraging the enrollment of girls—and community engagement. Local leaders and parents regularly collaborate with school administration, making it one of Argungu’s best. 

3. Aliero Primary School, Aliero

Aliero Primary School in Aliero LGA is widely regarded for quality teaching, student mentorship, and community support. The curriculum includes robust coverage of key subjects, supported by early morning reading programs and peer‑tutoring clubs.

Despite being a government-run school, it operates with relative stability—regular classroom schedules, improved textbooks, and modest but clean facilities. Local educational stakeholders often cite Aliero as a model within Kebbi’s network of rural schools. 

4. Ondo Primary School, Birnin Kebbi

Also situated in Birnin Kebbi, Ondo Primary School excels in both academics and character building programs. With support from the Kebbi State Universal Basic Education Board (KBSUBEB), Ondo has benefited from targeted teacher training, school feeding schemes, and infrastructural upgrades. 

Classrooms are relatively well-equipped, and teachers actively involve parents through PTA meetings and student progress tracking. A tradition of discipline, punctuality, and participation in local academic contests gives Ondo an edge. 

5. Kwendiru Primary School, Bunza

Kwendiru Primary School, in Bunza LGA, is praised for its academic structure, extracurricular sports, and local art programs. The school's focus on leadership and debate equips pupils with soft skills that are uncommon in many public schools.

Despite limited government support, Kwendiru thrives thanks to active participation from parents, local NGOs, and community elders, making it a strong choice among local families. 

6. Waziri Primary School, Zuru

Based in Zuru LGA, Waziri Primary School delivers quality education with an emphasis on both academic and moral development. Teachers at Waziri often integrate ethical discussion, storytelling, and cultural lessons into the curriculum.

Infrastructure has seen some improvements through recent state grants and maintenance programs. The school is considered one of Zuru’s top public institutions, particularly for its student retention and engagement. 

7. Gwadangwaji Primary School, Jega

In Jega LGA, Gwadangwaji Primary School is widely known for its disciplined academic culture and consistent public exam performance. The school actively encourages girls’ education and has initiated community‑based scholarship programs to help needy students—reflecting deeper local support.

Experienced teachers, combined with PTA-led improvements to classroom structures, make Gwadangwaji a standout school in Jega. 

8. Rima Model Primary School, Birnin Kebbi

Rima Model Primary School is a key model institution under Kebbi State's education reform programs. As a "model school", it receives targeted government support—such as grants, staff development, and infrastructural upgrades.

Rima consistently leads in academic rankings for the state, thanks to properly trained teachers, smaller class sizes, and better access to learning materials. School feeding and health programs also add to its positive learning environment. 

9. Gamji Primary School, Argungu

Another strong performer in Argungu, Gamji Primary School emphasizes active learning through arts, science clubs, and inter‑school competitions. Academic performance is commendable among similarly placed rural schools.

Community engagement—especially through parent volunteers and local sponsorships—helps Gamji maintain competitive quality despite limited resources.

10. Galadima Primary School, Jega

Rounding out the top 10 is Galadima Primary School in Jega LGA. Recognized for its focus on mental and moral development alongside academics, Galadima incorporates local cultural values into the school ethos.

The school’s learning atmosphere is characterized by inclusive teaching, active parent‑teacher collaboration, and healthy competition. Galadima regularly features in local public examination leaderboards.

Why These Schools Excel

Each school on this list stands out typically because of:

Academic Results & Teacher Quality

They consistently show positive outcomes in exam performance and have committed educators who often participate in state‑organized professional development.

Community & Parental Involvement

Strong parent‑teacher associations and local support systems help sustain these schools—even where government funding is inconsistent.

Inclusive Policies

Several of these schools actively promote the enrollment of girls and support students from diverse socio‑economic backgrounds.

Extracurricular Engagement

Most provide sports, debate, music, or culture‑based clubs that enrich traditional academics and help with overall student development.

Targeted Investment

Model or centrally supported schools (like Rima, Ondo city schools) benefit from government grants and boarding/feeding programs that enhance the learning environment. 

Broader Context: Kebbi’s Education Landscape

Despite these pockets of excellence, Kebbi State faces challenges in primary education overall. Historically, infrastructure has been poor—with some schools lacking roofs, furniture, or even basic sanitation. Reports highlighted situations like pupils learning in the open agriculture fields or under barely intact structures. 

Efforts have been made: in 2021, Kebbi approved ₦4.5 billion for school construction and renovation programs, and in late 2022, distributed ₦252 million in School Improvement Grants to over 1,200 schools. 

Still, out‑of‑school rates remain high—prior UNICEF figures showed about 70 percent of children not enrolled across the state. These top schools represent the frontline in reversing that trend by modeling excellence.

In‑Depth Profiles

Below is further detail on a few of these notable schools:

Madawaki Primary School – Birnin Kebbi

Central location in the state capital.

Strong performance in national assessment exams.

Structured morning club reading and writing sessions.

Engaged PTA, regular parent‑teacher conferences.

Rima Model Primary School – Birnin Kebbi

Designated “model” by state education board.

Small class sizes and access to extra‑curricular clubs.

Beneficiary of state‑funded feeding and infrastructure improvements.

Hauwai & Gamji Primary Schools – Argungu

Centers for educational innovation, integrating local arts and traditions.

Active in promoting girls’ education and involving community elders.

Gwadangwaji & Galadima – Jega

Strong local reputation for discipline and academic vigor.

Highlights include student leadership programs and cultural days.

Tips for Parents & Stakeholders

Whether you're a parent exploring options or a policymaker interested in capacity building, consider these factors when evaluating primary schools in Kebbi:

1. Performance & Progress

Ask for past inspection/exam scores if available. Schools like Madawaki, Rima, Gwadangwaji usually publish or publicly report these.

2. Teacher Competence & Professional Development

Find out whether teachers receive regular training via SUBEB or partner programs.

3. Infrastructure & Facilities

Check classroom conditions, sanitation facilities, and any ongoing feeding or health programs.

4. Extracurricular Activities & Clubs

Schools offering music, sports, drama, and community‑oriented events often produce well‑rounded learners.

5. Community & PTA Engagement

A robust parent‑teacher body indicates investment beyond just academics—from funds to volunteers.

6. Inclusion Policies

Good schools still make room for girls, differently‑abled learners, and students from lower‑income families.

Conclusion

Despite ongoing challenges across the education sector in Kebbi State, these ten primary schools consistently stand out for their commitment to academic excellence, community collaboration, and holistic student development. Among them, Madawaki, Rima Model, and Hauwai shine especially bright as beacons of learning and progress in both urban and rural LGA contexts.

While infrastructure and systemic issues remain, these institutions are proving that with stable leadership, teacher training, and active parental involvement, quality education is possible.

Parents in Birnin Kebbi, Argungu, Jega, Bunza, Zuru, and Aliero LGAs should consider these schools among the top options when selecting a primary institution for their children.