As part of efforts to strengthen basic education and ease the financial burden on parents, the Kwara State Government has abolished the collection of Parents Teachers Association (PTA) levies across all public primary schools in the state.
To replace the levy, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved annual school grants to serve as running costs for the institutions.
The Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof. Shehu Raheem Adaramaja, disclosed this on Thursday in Ilorin during the bid opening for the 2024 (3rd and 4th quarters) UBEC/SUBEB intervention projects.
“The Governor has approved the stoppage of PTA payments in all public primary schools across Kwara State. From Primary 1 to 6, no more PTA levies,” Prof. Adaramaja announced, adding that disbursement of the new grants would commence immediately for at least 1,717 public schools.
He further revealed that the Governor has also approved the procurement and free distribution of English and Mathematics textbooks for pupils in Primary 1 to 6 across the state.
Speaking on the UBEC/SUBEB intervention projects, Prof. Adaramaja said the 2024 projects will cover critical areas such as: construction of classroom blocks with offices; building of VIP toilets; remodeling and renovation of existing classrooms; drilling of solar-powered boreholes; rehabilitation of digital literacy centers; procurement of foundational literacy materials; fabrication and distribution of two-seater pupils’ furniture; and implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative in selected local government areas.
He commended the state government for its continuous investment in education infrastructure, teacher welfare, and human capital development, adding that Governor AbdulRazaq has also approved the payment of the 2025 counterpart funds for UBEC/SUBEB intervention projects.
Prof. Adaramaja urged contractors who would handle the projects to adhere strictly to specifications, warning that substandard work would not be tolerated.
He also appreciated the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Hajiya Aisha Garba, and other stakeholders for their support toward the success of the programme.
Responding on behalf of the bidders, the Secretary of the Indigenous Contractors Association, Alhaji Maroof Ahmed, thanked the state government for the opportunity to participate in the process.
He pledged that contractors would deliver quality projects that meet expectations and contribute to improving the learning environment across the state.
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