The Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris has flagged off the distribution of learning materials, vehicles, and motorcycles valued at N2.7 billion to public schools across the state.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday, the governor emphasised that his administration is committed to free and quality education.
Describing Kebbi as not only an agrarian state but also “an education state,” the governor distributed different materials including textbooks, exercise books, computers, vehicles, and motorcycles, aimed at strengthening teaching and learning in public schools.
He said; “Today, we are witnessing the distribution of over two million copies of books to primary and secondary schools across the state. This is in line with our mission to reposition education and make it accessible to every child in Kebbi”.
Idris also highlighted his administration’s achievements, including the renovation and furnishing of over 2,000 schools, the construction of mega schools across the four Emirates, and the release of N2 billion to settle registration fees for indigenous students as evidence of his administration’s commitment.
The governor further announced an employment drive for over 5,000 professionals including health workers and legal personnel within two years.
He also announced the recruitment of 2,000 teachers as part of the drive.
Reaffirming his commitment to teachers’ welfare, Governor Idris recalled spearheading the national campaign to extend teachers’ retirement age from 35 to 40 years during his tenure as NUT President, a policy which his administration has already domesticated.
To further raise the standard of education, the governor disclosed that professors of Kebbi origin have been appointed to chair Local Government Education Authorities, each provided with an official vehicle and enhanced allowances to boost performance.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Halima Bande, called on stakeholders to make effective use of the distributed items, urging school administrators and teachers to uphold the renewed standard of public education in the state.
Similarly, the Chairman of the House Committee on Education, Hon. Garba Bena, reaffirmed the legislature’s support for the governor’s education policies, noting the quick passage and assent of the Executive Bill on teachers’ service extension.
The Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, Prof. Suleiman Khalid-Jega, described the gesture as unprecedented.
He listed notable achievements under the current administration, including the construction of over 1,000 classrooms, the drilling of boreholes in schools, and the provision of both hardware and software tools to modernise education delivery.
Khalid-Jega also revealed that each School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) had been allocated N200,000, while over 18,000 teachers and administrators were trained to boost learning outcomes.
